I’m back baby, I’m back!

If there's one place on earth that's the polar opposite of America, it's Africa. I'm finding that it's easy to be ungrateful for all that I have and complain about the things that aren't easy. We have two Passport racers with us this month, and it's convicting that they expected conditions to be a lot harder. Before I started the race, I expected it to be a lot different too. You sign up for abandonment only to find yourself staying in nice hotel rooms with wifi and HBO. When forced abandonment comes, you're no longer prepared.
 
Nothing in Africa comes easy. It's tiring to walk a mile and a half just to eat. Church every single night can feel stale. Internet only half exists here. Time doesn't work like I want it to. Waiting is the norm. Complaints come easy.
 
On the bus to Kigali, replacing my lost passport, I was suddenly struck by the stunning landscape of Rwanda. There's lush, rolling hills and light that illuminates everything with an amber afternoon glow. Only seven months ago, I would have killed to be cramped in a bus trekking through Africa. What happened?
 
Seeing the freshness and excitement of these Passport kids makes me yearn for the same feeling again. I've been praying that month seven feels like month one all over again. Constant travel takes it's toll and at that middle point, the end feels a long way off. Gratitude is a fight. I have to remember that I'm in Africa! Life is trippy here and once you get into the rhythm it's so fun. Getting used to the culture is all a part of the adventure.
 
Jesus has been good to me. I have a new Macbook, a brand new camera lens, and an awesome photo editing program. I'm back baby, I'm back!