Home Sweet Home

Being home is bittersweet... I love being with my parents. I love being with my dogs. I love the fall and the cool, crisp weather. I'm catching up on TV shows and getting unpacked and getting started on my law school applications... But I can't stop thinking about what I would be doing back at Amani... waking up for the sunrise. The peace that surrounds Lake Victoria in the early morning. Having breakfast with the other volunteers every morning. Walking to Amani down the long dirt road. Teaching preschool, playing in the yard, holding the babies, putting bandages over scraped knees, kissing booboos, being "Auntie Alea." My heart aches to be with Dan again. To hold him. I can still feel his little body tucked perfectly in my arms.

My last night in Uganda I was putting all the kids to bed and when I got to Dan's bed to tuck him in and say goodnight he went into a fit of giggles and rolled to the far side of the bed, trying to hide from me. I crawled into his bed and he threw his arms around my neck and pulled me in to a tight hug. I told him I love him and gave him kisses and he whispered back, "I love you." He kept cupping his hands over my ear and whispering indiscernible things into it. We had a nice little cuddle with him holding me tightly. It was such a sweet moment. It was so hard to leave him. So hard. I can't stop thinking about him and his precious little smile. But I know the other volunteers are taking good care of him.

I really miss the other volunteers. They are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. We grew so close and shared so much together. It was just amazing to get to live in Africa with these ladies. There's Charlie, with her Scottish-Australian accent and sarcasm and easy-going nature.

And sweet Curry from Nashville, Tennessee. I'm thinking of applying to Vanderbilt just so I can see her again.

And tiny little Bekah. With that adorable little laugh of hers and the way she'd always crack us up with the things she'd say.

And Andy from Tulsa, Oklahoma with her cute little freckles and curls. She had such spunk and such strong opinions.

I miss my friends who felt like family. I miss my babies. I miss tickling Fazira and blowing on Dan's belly. I miss hearing Zurita's laugh and seeing baby Helene smile. But I know that they're all in safe and well taken care of. Africa has truly captured my heart, and I do very much hope to go back there, but I learned that I need to stop worrying about the future and enjoy the moment, so... as of now I'm not going back. but maybe someday...

Thanks for following mine and Nikki and Natalie's journeys!

Lots of love,

Alea