:/ :] :D

This has been a very rich and restful week for me :] I was able to attend some AIA planning meetings (which sparked some great ideas that I'm excited to share with our ASU AIA leaders), I took some awesome naps (which were non-existent the past 6-7 weeks), and I was also able to process through a few of the experiences I've had here through writing and drawing! But more importantly, the staff member here let me go where she went, so I got to sit on in some ministry time, meet her friends, relax at her house, etc. I feel very privileged to have gotten the opportunity to spend so much time with her.

I am incredibly grateful for this trip and the ways it has challenged, changed, and strengthened me and my walk with the Lord. I will be processing it for a long long time (and probably posting these things on here, so check back often! especially bc pics and such are still to come)!

I'm about 15 minutes away from heading to the Joburg airport to reluctantly+excitedly hop on a plane and return to Indiana with a pitstop in JFK for a few hours. After a bit of time in IND, I'll set out on an epic roadtrip back to AZ with one of my closest sisters :D


A few requests to you folks in the States:
1. If possible, please remember that when you ask me, "How was South Africa?" I will not be able to answer you fully. However, I would adore the chance to share with you, so just let me know to what depth you'd like me to go. Based on time given to respond, I'm brainstorming some of the most powerful experiences I've had to give you a vibrant and quick response to your colossal question, so let's have a fun time SHARING stories from our summer. I want to hear about how YOU are doing and what's new with YOU, too. :D

2. When ladies go abroad they usually gain weight... I am no exception. Culturally, its rude to refuse food or leave food on your plate, even when they serve for you and give you 8billion times more than will fit your stomach... you just make room. My diet here has been mainly starches, sugar, & carbs; while everything I've had here has been delicious, the meals have not been as nutritionally balanced or diverse as I am accustomed to, thus please be kind. I might have picked up a tinge of what some would call an "African body" hahaha jk ;] I'll be working out and eating better upon my return, so please be nice in the interim.
The upside? --> i have some lekker recipes to make when I get backkkkK!

3. I'd like to have a get together for all you who are reading this and for those of you who would like to hear, taste, and see more about my trip! Just a heads up Indiana and Tempe, I'll let you know more about time & place as soon as I find a place and can set a time :] its going to be so much FUN

4. Make sure you hug at least 3 people today.

5. Thanks for reading my posts and brace yourself for the stories and entries to come!!!