One word.

I am always asked when I return from Africa (or anywhere else for that matter), "How was it?" Really... it's absolutely impossible to describe 8 weeks of your life in one word. That's like making it equivalent to asking what I ate for lunch or how my last class was, so I have chosen the word "overwhelming." I have chosen this word because it adequately describes general, specific, negative and positive. It is all encompassing. Think about it... don't you agree? I chose wisely, my friends.

I was overwhelmed with God's goodness, His faithfulness to me, His sufficiency, His unwavering love for me and for the world we live in, His generosity and willingness to give. I was overwhelmed with the amount of books I read, the poverty that I saw and experienced and the goodness that is left in people by His grace. I was overwhelmed with the willingess of people to be real, vulnerable, genuine, and authentic. I was overwhelmed with how much we consume in America, how little we actually need and how simple life could be if we really wanted it to be. I was overwhelmed with the lack of concern of time and my overconcern for time and my very little ability to bend to other's expectations. Those are just a few things but I thought I should write at least a little bit because I haven't in like a month.

Being in Africa was completely overwhelming for me and I hope to explain more of that in detail in the future. Much love and peace to you on this journey of loving Jesus.
-Melis

The picture is Andrew, one of the cutest 3rd graders I met at Nakoli Community School in Kabwe, Zambia. Tell me this smile doesn't just take your heart away :)