That's a wrap

The bags are packed, the clothes are donated to people who need them, and my flight is all checked in. All I have to do is greet my last morning in Dakar at the beach where I will watch the sunrise over this great land I've spent the last three weeks.

And as I look back three weeks ago I see someone who is not who she is anymore. I am forever changed and while I still feel an emptiness, a void, I see it a place for more growth, reflection, and a way to find my way back to this side of the ocean. 

I've learned great lessons along the way about values, morals, the value of a dollar, hospitality, love, generosity, and in the midst of so little so much is offered. It will be hard to return home and explain in full context what I have touched, felt, seen, smelled, the whole experience. I would not change one second of it, I want more of it actually I want to fill that void with something, just right now I don't have the answers as to what that void is meant to be filled with, and that is okay.

I am proud of myself for taking this journey to a place I have always wanted to go to but always to scared to venture to. The opportunity was a perfect chance for me to take a chance.While I am proud of myself there is still more growing in my heart, soul and mind and more growing in my education on how to problem solve and make world changes.

I go home with a heavy heart, one that still has problems to sort out, memories to embrace, people lives that have changed me, and so many other things to sort through and think about and process that is what is  making writing this so challenging today.

Dakar holds a special place in my heart, the heart, the spirit the zest for life is embedded into me. And while three weeks ago everything was so hard to look at, I now have a new appreciation for it shows hard work and dedication for a life worth fighting for and I am glad I was able to be a small part of this culture for a short period of time. I am so thankful for the experiences and people I have met along the way and I cannot wait to keep doing wonders in the U.S for them. I will be back.

"We've got a lot to learn, God knows were worth it. I won't give up. I don't want to be someone who walks away so easily I'm  here to stay and make the difference I can make."

*** My thoughts are all over the place in this post, I have eight hours on a plane to sort through some and maybe construct something good --- until then my next post will come from the USA. ***