Timing

If there is one thing that has been ever present since my return home it would be timing. From the get go of ever deciding to travel to Dakar timing played a crucial role in my decisions.

A week or so ago a babies time to enter this world was due, however it wasn't the right timing for that little man to make his debut and now a week later as I sit and ramble in a new post, that little man is making his timing count by making us wait patiently as he makes his world appearance. And with his delay came time for me to escape from Kalamazoo and visit with Bradley, which I missed greatly. I can't put my finger on one specific moment that made the time with Brad so great, but if there is one thing I can take away from my trip it would be quality time, and that is what the past five days have been quality time spent with a quality guy. And within that time away from the hustle and bustle of being back in Kalamazoo I found quiet moments in which I was able to sit down, reflect, and put my memories into words that is due to the University tomorrow [its already turned in].

July fourth brought about many family traditions that are easy to take for granted however the simplicity and time well spent with family is top notch. The day was a hot one however it was with my family so it didn't matter. It was finally time for me to face the music and to share my pictures and stories from my journey. I did it, yes, but it was hard. I showed pictures with smiles and stories to follow but I relived it all. And while I relived it I was reminded that I wasn't in Dakar I was in Ludington and that my belly was full, my heart felt loved and I was surrounded by family. It was fulfilling, but also a sting overtook me because I was finally forced to share my sacred memories and feelings and to showcase those little faces that stole my heart forever. I held back the tears I swollowed that lump you get when the flood gates are about to break, and I showcased with pride my trip. I was happy, I was sad, I was a hundred other things that don't have adjectives to describe it. But I did it, and I will continue to do it because it is what I am supposed to do.  Thank you family for embracing it all.

In a week and a half time or so I have been able to look through pictures, watch the videos, relive those moments that brought me such happiness and am continually encouraged to keep finding the motivation and encouragement from others to continue to do good from a far over there. And while I am very content and happy being surrounded by family and friends back in my safe bubble, I still struggle daily with the reality outside of here. The pictures and videos and story sharing with others is amazing and so wonderful for me to do, however it tears at my heartstrings every time I am asked about it. I want to share I really do and that is the honest truth but I just don't know how. It's coming though, day by day, and I am even more motivated by my developed photos and others movements, words, and photos of traveling and being able to share my special trip with friends and family.

Time has also led me to the episode of Gene Simmons:Family Jewel episode 2 of his travels to Zambia. I cried watching it yet through the tears came a smile and an overwhelming feeling of happiness and gratitude for my trip to Dakar and those feelings that are forever engrained in me. I clapped in delight and gazed in awe and was so thankful that my dad informed me of the episode I feel like  motivation  that will lead me to other trips and other movements toward success!

Perhaps time will lead me to Zambia where I will be immersed in those beautiful schools where I can once again here those beats strum through the dance moves, and the native tongue fill my ears with an unknown message, but a language all their own.I truly miss those aspects from being back home.

And while I do not know where time may take me I do know that adjusting and processing takes time, patience, gratitude, storytelling, crying, laughter, and acceptance of it all.

That's the beauty of it, time is in place to make us go places, allows us to arrive on time, lets us know where we're delayed. And in each life moment God has created these moments of time that will forever change us.These moments of time also make us slow down to appreciate, accept, and be moved to greatness.

All in all, Time will tell.