wise words from the sis...

"most girls are jealous of me. Sorry you get the backlash." i personally thought it was hilarious.

Some favorite things...

That my dad will text a whole sermon--minus a few pointers, but definitely more than is usually in a text.

That my sister and I are usually writing the same thing to each other via text and then simultaneously write "That was scary" in response.

Riding with the roof down, wind and hair blowing in my face.

Naps..which are extremely rare these days.

The feeling of being organized....another rarity these days.

and

the idea of summer....looming in the near future.

beauty

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 3:18

recent pictures

While I m trying to think of a new title for my blog...i thought I d share some pictures from the past...hmmm...6 or more months?!

poster and cake

I forgot to say that the delicious looking and very creative cake in the photo blogged below was made by the infamous Mrs. Adams!! Being the greatest next door neighbor that she is, both at Christmas and when we arrived home in June she brought over a homemade decorated chocolate cake! She also made the sign when my parents arrived home from visiting us in Malawi. Anyway...i had to give credit where credit was due! Thank you Mrs. Adams!

"Life is a Highway"...

Oh...i have no idea where to begin. I recently just read the blog of a friend who has just arrived home from Malawi as well. I told her that she has completely put me to shame as she actually blogged all throughout the closure and departure from Malawi, then into being home. I, however, just opted out. There seem to be just too many thoughts in my head. Sadness, nostalgia, high levels of anticipation, some anxiety, even feelings of questioning whether or not I completed my role/job in Malawi. 

I miss Malawi, the culture and people. I miss the warm-hearted nature they provided and with which they loved me. I miss the simplicity of life in Africa. It is so refreshing. Church...wow, do I ever miss Flood Church. Not really sure how to describe that. I miss the African or Malawian phrases--well the ones I knew. It catches me off guard when people look at me strangely when I am sure to greet them first in the grocery store instead of just bluntly asking them a question. I miss the African handshakes. I actually do miss driving on the left hand side of the road and right hand side of the car. It takes some serious focus when pulling out into traffic. I miss the simplicity of having no or one or two options in the stores. The sheer volume of variety here is entirely overwhelming and consuming. I had a mini-freak out when finding myself accompanying my mom (unexpectedly) to Sam's. I stuck to the book aisle which was enough. Wow...the surplus is just phenomenal.

So here I am...one month into being back in the US of A. I am glad I am here as I know this is where the Lord has me, but it's a rollercoaster. I cant begin to describe the cultural experiences of readjusting to America. My sister and I have sent countless text messages back and forth all throughout the day of various things we see and hear people say. It's complete comic relief. My sister clearly more interesting and comical than myself.

We have both found the beach to be a great place to transition. Our parents have been very generous to let us literally 'move' in at the beach each weekend. Rachel has stayed here fairly permanently for this month and a half before the next change in zip code--California. So...yeah...our heads are spinning with thoughts and attempts to debrief from Africa while the move to California looms in our eye sight. It's crazy to think that in less than two months I m going to go from standing at the front of the classroom lecture to sitting in the chairs taking notes as hurriedly as my students were.

Here's to more transitioning. Learning that all of life is one big transition...it s just that some are more life-changing than others. Whew..

a painful reality

Goodbye's hurt. I knew that and have experienced that in several capacities before arriving in Malawi...but I think i am experiencing it in a whole new realm...no i dont think..i know this for a fact. It is strange, surreal, moving, emotional, exhausting and life-changing. My mind is very much 'all over the place.' It's a total rollercoaster....chatting online on tuesday night with one of your best friends in the states and discussing just how soon you will see them when you land in MS, then going the very next morning and saying about 30+ goodbyes, to continue the mind-boggling list of packing essentials. What?! Excitement to bittersweet-ness.
To put it into perspective...Last week I was discussing with a full-time missionary family, whether or not one of the (ridiculously talented) musical groups at the college actually recorded. He said no that the recording is just not good enough. He then said that it's not something you can record and then play again in the states. It wont sound the same to the ear and heart when back in the States. He said "you literally have to take it in your memory and heart." Pretty good explanation. Not to sound self-righteous or 'no one can understand'...just that it s hard to explain in words.