The Final Goodbye

View of the ship and Freetown as I was leaving town on the ferry.

On Saturday June 18th around 10pm when all nine of my roommates and I were having movie night in our cabin, the telephone rang. I got up quickly and was surprised to hear my Mom's voice on the other end. We had always planned our phone calls but this one was not. I knew something was up because she just started to ramble on before really stating why she had called. As you may know my Pawpaw (my Mom's dad) was diagnosed in April with stomach cancer. Within two months it took his life. Dad, Mom and Emily were in route and in tears as well when they called me on the road that evening. Of course I was so, so upset. It seemed like everything that could go bad at home while you're miles and miles away happened. I learned quickly though, thats life. Words cannot even begin to describe the loving and sweet man that Bob Mixon was to his grandchildren, children and wife. He truly walked by faith in his life journey but even more so in his journey through cancer.

Within thirty minutes my superhero of a Mom had my flight changed to that Monday morning flight to Brussels and miraculously I would be traveling back with two of my roommates. God is good, in all things.

I must say its weird being home. Back in January six months to me seemed like a lifetime and now it feels like just yesterday I was telling my friends that we'd have to be apart for six whole months. I cannot get over it but find myself in little situations everyday reflecting on Africa and dream about one day being able to carry things on top of my head, in each hand, and a baby on my back :)

Please know that I couldn't have done any of this AT ALL without YOUR support and prayers. God really watched over me and I remained healthy during my whole entire trip. I feel so honored to have been supported by such great friends and family! Your in my prayers and may God bless you! Thanks again friends :)