Happy New Year!

It’s a new year, and it’s time for new resolutions, and this year is a big one for me. Not just because I am in Africa, but because I am living my dream. My lifelong dream of someday moving to Africa to work in an orphanage. For my entire life- as long as I can remember, I have known that this is where God wants me, somehow, someway. What an amazing feeling to have your dreams come true, and have them come true in such a powerful, extraordinary way. I want this experience to change me, to change me in ways that make it impossible to go back to the way things were. I have been here for almost two months, and these two months feel like a life time. My life has changed drastically, I have changed, and the way I look at things has changed. I have no Idea what the rest of my life is going to look like after my time here, but I know that this year will forever impact it. I always hear people say “live life to the fullest”, not until recently have I really thought about what it means. What it means for me is embracing this new life that God has given me, working hard every day especially when it is hard, loving all the people that I come into contact with, not being afraid to try new things or looking absolutely ridiculous, believing in the power of dreams, teaching by being an example, fighting for what’s right, knowing that God loves me in the biggest way that anyone can love. This is my life now, and even if it is only for a year I want it to be the best year of my life.  

People are always asking me if Africa is what I expected. I can’t answer that. I am not sure what I thought it would be like, now that I am here. All I know for sure is that I love it. All of it. This life is simple, hard work but simple. You greet everyone you pass in the village, you welcome everyone who stops by into your home. I don’t feel unwelcome, anywhere.  Although it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, there are frustrations and challenges, but I am determined to enjoy all this place has to offer.  

I have been asked to teach English to the villagers once a week. I am a little intimidated, it’s a lot different than teaching English to the kids. I think it will be a really great way to connect with the villagers, really put myself out there and get to know people. 

Life is back to normal now. The sounds of kids playing, constant noise, doors opening and shutting, my name being called, “Court-ta-ney, Court-ta-ney”, laughter, music playing extra loud for dance parties, chaos, our life, all signs the kids have returned. Now we are getting back into the routine of  things. I have been working on my Swahili, learning more every day. I had an exciting and new experience for New Years! I was invited to one of my friends in the village’s house. I had intended to just go for a few hours but his family welcomed me and his sisters wanted to teach me how to make their special dishes. Although they spoke next to no English and the same with me in Swahili, it was really fun. They made me feel so much love and acceptance, plus I think they were a little excited to have an mzungu for the holiday. We welcomed the New Year with dancing, and it was an experience I will not soon forget. They invited me to come the next day as well and I was even given an assignment! 

For the most part I have adjusted exceptionally well, which is something I can only thank God for. However this week I got sick. Really sick. I will spare you the dirty details, but it was terrible and I am so thankful to be feeling better now. This is the reason I have been so late in posting a new blog, so I am sorry for that. (Plus terrible internet.)

We live next door to the dispensary and someone had a baby!!! So I went over with one of the staff to meet the little girl and her family. She is absolutely adorable, of course! Within the first hour of her life she saw an mzungu, what an honor!  The women here are so tough! This woman walked to the dispensary, was told that it wasn’t time yet and to come back later, went home, and came back a few hours later to have her baby. She has her baby, rests in the bed for maybe 2 hours at the most, and then walks home with her baby!

As usual thank you for all your continued prayers, and support. I appreciated them, and need them. Happy New Year! Welcome to 2013!