My time in Kenya is running out so fast. Just one week from today I will be on a plane headed back to America. Though it will be nice to return to the comforts and familiarity of the first-world-the only world I have ever known-a big part of my heart will remain here in Africa with these children I have come to love. I said in one of my first blogs that “these children have captured my heart in no time.” It was true then and it’s even truer today as I try to evade thoughts of leaving them. These children are beautiful, they’re humble, they’re sweet, they’re honest, they’re grateful-they are nothing short of amazing. The day after tomorrow I will wave goodbye, not knowing if I will ever see any of them again, but I will always carry their letters, their pictures, their smiles and their sweet voices in my heart.
Over the past nine weeks I have seen beautiful places and people, learned so much about African culture and grown so much in my faith. God has truly used this experience to open my eyes to the needs, the sorrows and even the joys in this mysterious place that is so far from where I call home. Every day has brought new lessons, challenges and memories that I will never forget. One lesson I have learned is that life goes on…with or without you. The world hasn’t stopped to wait for me to return from Kenya. Not that I thought that it would, but it seems so strange to look back at all the changes that have taken place in my absence. I will return home to many new and exciting things: a new head football coach at Clemson, my alma mater; a new President of the United States; and, most significantly, a new niece who I can’t wait to meet! I find it quite humbling, actually, when I realize all the things that have happened without me. But while I have missed a lot back at home, I have gained so much from being here. Everything in life is a give and take and though I have given up much at home to be here in Kenya, I will take so much more back home with me. When my plane lifts off one week from today my prayer will be that God allows me the opportunity to come back to Kenya one day soon-for its not only the children, but this country in anguish that my heart aches for and longs to return to.
PS. Mwikali’s sister came back today with her aunt so Mwikali was able to go home! Praise the Lord, for surely, He knows the desires of our hearts and He truly cares for each and every one of us. She was overjoyed and we were so happy to see her go home to visit and spend Christmas with her family.
I’m sure it’s a very bittersweet time! I read this quote a while ago, and it reminds me of you. not sure if you’ve heard it or not.
“If you go to Africa with a hard heart you come back with a soft heart. If you go to Africa with a soft heart you come back with a broken heart. If you go to Africa with a broken heart you won’t come back.” ~ Jeremy Cowart