Back as back can be.

I am back in Rwanda after a long, painful sixteen hour flight. I never thought I would start to feel old because I am not, but seriously after a sixteen hour flight you start to understand what it might just feel like... your joints ache, knees ache, neck hurts, your exhausted, and you just don't feel good. I arrived Saturday around one in the afternoon. Some of my bestest friends, Justin and Amy, here in Rwanda picked me and my eight bags up. You should have seen their faces when they saw how much stuff I brought back with me.
I had bags full of donated cleats, socks, t-shirts, jerseys, sports equipment, food, book bags, etc.... and I am sure you are wondering about how in the world I got through customs well.... somehow, yes somehow, I did make it through customs with no problems. I don't know how, but I did.
Since I have been home, I have had one night where I literally slept from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. (only 3 hours!) and then laid wide eyed until I had to get up at 6:30 a.m. for school. The other night, I slept literally from 7 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. Yes, I did sleep 11.5 hours.
It is definitely a joy to be back. I can distinctly remember getting off that plane and just thinking just how nice it is to be in warm, nice weather again. Especially, after leaving the bitter, cold, twelve degree weather in Maryland. Also, just getting off that plane and seeing all the houses on the hillside and seeing the Rwandan scenery again just made me feel like I was home once again.
If I am honest, for good or bad, it feels like I never left. I definitely thoroughly loved, enjoyed my time at home. It went by incredibly fast and during my time I had highs, lows, laughs, tears, aches, and joys. I loved being home and wish I could have just spent a little while longer there hanging out with my friends, family, and specifically my fast growing nephew who continues to not only grow over night, but just make me smile and laugh like never before. What a joy he was to be with and what a precious, sweet, yet independent age he is at. I already miss everyone deeply.
So, if I can let me just say thank you for a great time home. Thank you for such a sweet welcome and send off. Thank you also to Liz and Sara for letting me not only sleep on, but break their coach in the middle of the night. Hereford YL girls, Katie M., Spark, Jess Goodie, Pat and Bets, Luttrell, Healy, Kathy and Kyle, Ben and Mel, Drew, McGregor, Joshie, Matten, Katie and Phil, Mike, Team Awesome, Mrs. Laura Smith (wink), my supporting churches :-), and everyone else who I saw, but did not mention... it was so great to see you! When ever I think of you all, I just feel myself fill up with so much joy and praise. Thanks for being my friend ;-).
Alright, well... like I said, it is good to be back. I am alive, I am well, and I am catching up on sleep. You have to just love jet lag. I definitely don't think God created our bodies to change timezones. Lots of love to you all and thanks again for all the joy and support. Come visit me!!!