back at it

so here I am - back in my place on the couch in the living room, reflecting on the past couple weeks where sometimes time seemed to be standing still, but now I can't believe it's already over. I'm trying to catch up with life here at home - everything I missed while I was away, while trying to process everything that now seems to have gone by in a blur.

Overall I just find myself feeling ridiculously blessed beyond words. For the first time in my life I am actually really excited to be home. My life is overflowing with love from all directions. so much that I find myself at times not even knowing what to do with myself because I am so overwhelmed with it. It is the most incredible feeling ever. and as cliche as this all sounds, I have no other way to describe it.

My last night in Pemba was seriously one of the most amazing nights of my entire life, thus far. I got to hang out up at my friend Rosa's house for the whole night, and at the end she ended up gathering up all the girls in her room and sitting me in the middle of the floor and getting them to sing and pray over me. that is a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life. holding little 2 year old Christina on my lap, the sound of those girls singing. their perfect harmonies, and tiny voices just telling God how much they love him. them all around me praying for me and my family in Portuguese, and then Rosa and Chantel continuing to just soak me love spoken directly from God through them... it is a moment completely beyond words.

Leaving the next day was hearder than I remember it being the last time. Knowing it may be years before I get to go back. not knowing where certain friends will be at that point.

The few days we had in South Africa after leaving Pemba were good, but pretty difficult for me. I wanted to either be with my friends in Pemba, or back with my friends here at home. being stuck in transition was really hard. but while we were there I met an amazing south african couple, who I hope to go back and work with the next time I go to africa. and we went on a pretty amazing safari. Saw lots of amazing animals up close and personal - very personal in some cases.... sarah and I definitely got attacked by some monkeys...! aaahahaha.

So now I'm home. happy, and overflowing. job hunting, missing far away friends but thankful for the ones here, and praying that I won't lose anything I learned or experienced there.

*sigh*

life is good, my friends.