I Remember Africa….

I remember almost
leaving the race after my first week in Swaziland. I remember having an emotional breakdown and telling Pam
and Brandon that I just didn’t want to be there anymore, and struggling the
next few days over whether or not to go home. I remember God being my strength
when I didn’t have any left.

I remember feeling
like I was being hit with a brick
wall when Sarah told us that she was going home. I remember my eyes filling
with tears in mere seconds, doing all that I could to hold them in. I remember
saying goodbye to her and telling myself that this was not goodbye, and that
she would come back to our team soon.

I remember living
in Backdoor Community in Nelspruit, South
Africa. I
remember running in the neighborhood and having kids laugh and run alongside
us. I remember Vivianne, a rather animated and boisterous woman inviting us
into her preschool and singing songs for us with the children.

I remember our
four day road trip to Mutarara Mozambique. I remember dirt road detours, camping on the beach, rats in
the kitchen, and a long walk at night time on a seven kilometer bridge. I
remember tons of children holding their faces up to our tents, watching us fall
asleep and wake up in the morning.

I remember walking
a lot in Mozambique. And riding bikes. I remember daily trips to the local bar
for an ice cold orange fanta. I remember little Bea, and the time we walked to
the market together to buy our bread for the day. I remember smiling and
thinking how much I love this kid.

I remember not
wanting to leave Mozambique. I remember my heart not being ready to let go This place
and the people there will always have a special piece of my heart. I will
always remember Mutarara.