This was our last month in Africa, which I am genuinely sad about. Africa has been an awesome 3 months, and while many people on my squad may not share my feelings, I loved it here. And so to commemorate my awesome time in this awesome continent and all the awesome things I loved about it, I wrote my

Ode to Africa!

Oh Africa, my Africa. How I will miss you,

Let me count the ways.

The rice, the beans, and chapati

Put me into a food daze.

The mosquitos, they buzz

And the cows loudly give a moo

As we wandered the streets

To the sound of “Mzungu!”

Why yes, African children we are white.

But no, I don’t have an extra 5 dollars

No matter how much you beg and fight.

Yes, you can see my camera,

And Pastor, you say you want me to preach?

In five minutes? Why of course.

Certainly, that’s within my reach.

Door to door evangelism

And kids running everywhere.

Brightly colored skirts, thrift store clothes,

And all that braided hair.

Beautiful smiles everywhere we look.

Welcomed into houses, and fed by each home’s cook.

At squatty potties and bucket showers,

I now am a pro.

I’ve really loved it all,

And I’m truly sad to go.

Because my dear Africa,

You really are quite grand.

But alas, this Racer’s off

To the hills of Ireland!

To Europe, where cold weather clothes must fill my pack!

So so long for now,

But no worries, Africa, I’ll be back!