11. Dancing to Shakira’s song, “This Time for Africa” at the well in Malawi. A huge group of kids started to sing this song and as I began dancing, they all circled around me and joined in! We had a blast!
10. Receiving gifts from the church my team served at in Tanzania. Our gifts were typical items worn by those apart of the “Massai” tribe: colorful wraps, big earrings, and intricately crafted bracelets. We felt so loved!
9. Eating at Mugg and Bean (delicious coffee shop/cafe) in South Africa. We were quite overwhelmed by all of the tasty options. Good memories. 🙂
8. Getting pulled over by the Swazi police and watching one of my teammates bribe the officer with a Kit Kat bar. The officer then started doing a little dance because he was so happy. We video taped the whole thing. It was hilarious! Only in Africa!
7. Meeting a group of missionaries from TEXAS while at a conference in Tanzania. They prayed for our team, blessed our team financially, and gave us much needed encouragement. Their big hugs and southern hospitality came at just the right time.
6. The magnificent sight of the famous Ngorgoro crater in Tanzania. The vast crater was inhabited by free roaming wild life. It felt like I was watching The Lion King in real life.
5. Waking up at 5 am to the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen. Each morning, I would zip open my tent and marvel at the unique colors. Our team lived atop a hill in Senga Bay, Malawi and every day I was amazed at the wondrous beauty around me!
4. Holding precious children in Swaziland. The children in Swazi are desperate for love and affection. They would push and shove or a spot on our laps. Loving on them has been one of my greatest joys this past year!
3. My time spent with a teenage girl named Amina. She lives at an orphanage in Tanzania for kids with special needs. I will never forget her big smile and sweet heart. I hope other missionaries will continue serving at this orphanage. Amina and her friends need others to laugh and play with!
2. Laughing with my teammates during our short stay in South Africa. A huge prayer of mine over the past year and 1/2 is that I would laugh again the way I used to…the loud, contagious laugh I was known for. The Lord is so faithful!
1. Getting baptized in Lake Malawi. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and walked down to the lake alongside my 6 other teammates. By the time we reached the water, the sun was breaking through the clouds and the waves were raging. My teammates cheered for me as I dipped into the water and came back up more alive and full of joy!
