It's raining...and I'm homesick

It's raining and I am alone in this office, listening to Andrew and Kat teach a handful of adults simple english phrases. i have left the "community night" which consists mostly of kids coming in and out, asking for extra helpings of the cake Anna Julia has prepared in order to take them home to their families. I have just written a bunch of emails to people I miss, and I sit here missing them still.

I just want to say to everyone at home that you are wonderful, amazing and fantastic. There are so many moments here that I wish you could be here for, to laugh with, to cry with, to run around like crazy people with. I thank God for the incredibly passionate, incredibly talented, and just all around beautiful people he has placed in my life back home.

I am overwhelmed with the anticipation of coming home and starting a new life for myself. Before I left, a few of us had started a small group to feel more connected with each other, and in the fall, if all goes according to plan, I will be living out my dreams further by moving into an appartment with the lovely and inspiring Jenna Kessler. My desire for community living will be taken that one step further, and I really hope that lethargy does not once again overshadow the passion that God has placed in me.

A last thought: despite the poverty of this place, there is something beautiful in simplicity. I am greeted every night by three smiling, wonderful children, eager to jump on my back and tickle me and none of them ever seem to have a care in the world. They are fed and clothed and have a roof over their head. They are quite content to play with marbles or old toys, and the lack of video games and (well, they DO have tv, but aren't glued to it) other mindless activities simply leads them to spend more time with their parents, or more time with eachother, and I think that is beautiful. Flor, my "mom", who is actually only 25, and her husband Byron, both seem quite content, people who love their children, keep their house clean, and provide love for each other, their family members, and some random white girls living on their second floor ;).

What more does a person need than love and the basics?