Africa

There is something about Africa.

I never saw it coming, but it digs right in under your skin and sits there, waiting for the oddest moments when a smell, a sound, even just a feeling will throw you right back there.

Walking through the Kansas City Central library, I just had one of those moments, I think it was a smell. The other day it was something as simple as the feeling of closeness in the air. It’s odd when it happens, it feels like an almost holy moment. I want to stop and try and pinpoint exactly what it is that is taking me back to those red clay streets and bustling markets.

It’s just one of those things that I’m glad to always carry with me. I love how Africa intrudes on my day when I least expect it.

And, thankfully, it’s not always just going to be just a memory. This year for the DTS I’m going to be leading a team of four students to Rwanda and Burundi. I’m excited to get back to these countries, to catch up with some of the incredible people and children we met and to reunite with three of the students I went with last year who are now out there full time, Rowan, Alison and Meg.

I’m excited to relive the old memories and feelings from the past, and hopefully build and experience a few more.