First I want to apologize for not blogging in a while. Our schedules have been crazy the past couple of weeks!
I'm pretty sure that each one of the nine participants on this trip expected to come to Africa to make a huge impact on this country, and change the world for the greater good. We each come here with the expectation (consciously, or subconsciously) that we were going to cure the area of hunger, hurt, and despair; all noble ambitions that each of us would give anything for them to be met. But the truth of the matter is that unfortunately, we can't meet any of those ambitions. The problems here are much greater than what eleven 18-25 year olds can solve. We all know this. We can make kids smile, we can buy someone a meal, we can take their pain away for a little while, but in reality, in three months when we go home, they will face the same issues they are facing right now.
Maybe Africa doesn't need us; maybe we need Africa?
That question was brought up in a team discussion the other night and I think that it hit several of us really hard. But that's the truth. It's going to take much more than eleven of us to truly change this place. But why would I need Africa? That's a question that I am still struggling with and one that I can't really answer at this moment. I know however, that I do need Africa. These people have more to offer me than, I have to offer them. They show me the meaning of joy, the meaning of perseverance, hard-work, and most importantly faith that is absolutely amazing. It shows me how truly blessed I am. This place shows me that my complaints and silly little problems are nothing and mean nothing. I guess maybe that is why I need Africa.
Interesting things:
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People ask the girls all the time how many children they have because people here get married at a much younger age than in America.
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Tomorrow I get to kill a chicken for our dinner!
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A couple of the girls got to scrub in on a surgery at the hospital.
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I got to experience African surgery first hand, when they had to cut open the bump on my arm from staph infection. But thankfully I had Glenn there holding my hand (happy now Glenn?) I had a pretty good sized hole in my arm, but they doctors kept it clean and I am fine now.
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On our way to the hospital the other day our Bota-bota (motorcyle) driver thought Rebecca and I were married
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Eric, my best friend from church, wants to come and stay with me in America next summer for a month and he's serious about it. (get ready mom and dad cause he's coming)
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Today is our last day of internet for the entire month of October but I will still be able to post two blogs!
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I made my future college decision and I am so excited to attend the University of Tennessee next fall… NEVER thought I would say that.
I miss everyone so much and can't wait to see y'all in December!
