I have been a bit of a nomad for the last year and a
half. Moving in out of countries and
cultures, languages and cuisines. I was
surprised with how easy my transition was back to the states after the Race,
but I have been even more surprised with how easy it has been to transition
back to Africa. Maybe it is because I
really like camping…but I love it out here. I love taking bucket baths under the moon light, throwing rocks at
rosters that crow throughout the night, jogging down dirt roads with African
children, breathing in the smell of the green covered mountains, watching the
violent thunder storms, and simply just holding an orphan close to my chest.
I feel like I have a better understanding of what Paul waswriting in Philippians 4:12 when he said ,”I know how to live on almost
nothing or with everything. I have
learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full
stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” I constantly find my home in God. It doesn’t seem to matter the location or situation I always find rest
in his presence. Sometimes it takes some
work to get into His presence but it is always there. Like the air we breathe. All around, always available and life
giving. It is just a matter of opening your month and breathing in.
I find family wherever I go, back in the states with my
long-term relationships or out here with newly formed friendships within my
team and contacts. What does home mean
to you? I find it to mean a place of rest, comfort, joy, peace, and
familiarity. So as odd as it sounds
Africa feels a bit like home to me.
*Thanks to teammate Katie Tupper for the photos.
