Memories from Africa

In high school there was a song popular by a band called Monday Morning called Wonder of it All. In the song they are talking about expectations, hurts, plans in the past and they say, "I wonder where I'll be next year." Crazy how every year can look so different. This was my year last year.
Since I don't live near my dear mwanrokorakas ('sisters' in Makua), it seems more distant and surreal that I lived in Africa for ten months. Those were challenging but incredibly beautiful days, weeks and months. I look back at pictures and my heart is full. So, for your pleasure, (and mine) here are some memories.

 Hannah and I were psyched to find a real, live chameleon. Disregard the fact that we practically stepped on it before Paulo made us stop and turn around to actually see it!

 Devotions in Makua with the pastors and workers.

 The women de-husking rice. Its strenuous but they laugh and talk the whole time. They were joyful and content to be together working.

 Isabelli. She was so loving and joyful.

 Sunrise on the way to food distribution in Tauane.

 Celestino on the playground.

 Alberto and Manel. Father and son. Sweet, godly men.

 Dominica and Anatercia on their way to distribute things to the foster homes. We loved spending time with them.

 Rachide. He was one of the favorites. Ok, they all were.

 Nelson gave us a friendship coconut. Obviously Ashlynn is beside herself with excitement.

 Americo distributing corn to the women.

 Going to church.

 Fred measuring out salt for distribution.

The guys would carry the corn sacks on their head to a different location and the women and children would separate it into smaller amounts to carry on their heads sometimes as far as several miles to their homes.

Ashlynn and baby Daniel when he was still a small baby.

Daniel when he was not such a small baby. But he's SO adorable!

 Filomena, Fatima and Dominca.

 Bertino carrying farina after distribution.

 Dolar with his firewood.

 Baby felix.

 The dorm boys clearing the meringa field. They recruited us to help. I know they couldn't have completed that field without us.

Bertino, Ashlynn and I.

So I don't know where I'll be next year. I know this year looks really different than last year did. But I am thankful for the experiences, lessons and opportunities that God has given. I look forward to it with eager anticipation and pray that I would make the most of every day.