When I think of a collage of photos I think of many colours, of deep memories, and of much diversity…yes this has been my 2011 in Africa

With just 1 more sleep left on this foreign continent I am taking time to reflect back on my 2011…

I have counted 22 different beds I have slept on, 6 different countries I have travelled to and through, 6 different languages I have started to speak…7 times I have taken antibiotics for either a sinus or chest infection. The deepest most alive friendships I have EVER made. Conviction of sin in a new way…the character sin- that when washed away breeds, humility, grace, love, and honesty. I have held three distinct different ministry positions 1) Marketing and Admin in South Africa 2) Project Manager and rural facilitator in Zimbabwe 3) Doctor, Midwife and Cook in Mozambique. Many different fashion styles I have worn. I have learned how to eat REALLY spicy food…I mean Indian hot, hot, hot! have attended an African wedding and a funeral. I have spent more hours than I ever have without electricity. I bought my second EVER car (her name was Thandi and so since I was her mother I was called “NaThandi” by my Zim friends- literally means “the Mother of Thandi”) I sold my second ever car! I have danced more in Church, shed tears of joy and tears and sadness. I have met God in a way I could NEVER have done while at home. I have eaten worms, chicken hearts, chicken gizzards and tried tripe (intestine of cow I think??? YUCK!) I have gotten creative in cooking when you just don’t have access to all the ingredients you want, I have lived in a beautiful neighborhood with colonial style wide streets lined with a canopy of Jackaranda trees(large trees with small purple flowers) - a breath taking site! I have had carbon monoxide poisoning. I have had a torn rotator cuff- Ouch! I have found new grace for aging. I have accepted I am not as strong as I once thought…I like this realization- when I am weak He can be strong! I have swum in the warm Indian ocean. I have given up dreams and I have made new ones…and there is so much more…

Most of all I have made memories I will never forget, I have grow more that I could have ever imagined and most importantly my heart has grown…for Africa, for God, for family, for complete surrender, and for humility.

Thank You Africa and all those amazing people who have crossed my path I am taking a pie of each of you in my heart!

America here I come to make new memories! (A  w  e… high speed internet and Egg Nog Lattes what could be sweeter!)