Happy Anniversary to Me!!

To the ones that held my heart and forever changed me,

My last road trip on the African continent was to the city of Nairobi, Kenya. It brought a torrent of emotions that I will never be able to adequately express. After countless pulled muscles, and roughly 3 weeks of malaria; boxes were finally taped up, suitcases were zipped and farewells were bid. Eyes were bright with unshed tears, hearts were heavy with what would become a crushing weight, and smiles were pasted on as masks.

When I slowly got into the truck on that memorable Sunday morning I'll never forget MM as he looked through the window with tears in his eyes and said, 'Don't forget us.' I smiled and with tears rolling down my face, I gave my promise, 'Never.' With that he turned, walked down the driveway and opened the gate to all of our futures.

I began the long mental journey down memory lane. Memories and moments flashed through my mind like a song stuck on repeat. Moments that include, but are not limited to, hearing the prayers of EM, laughing with TM, crying with the MM family at the loss of their unborn child, eating the amazing food of Mama RM, and worshiping with NM are just a few of the countless memories that are the remnants of 3 incredible years of my life.

As I boarded the 777 headed west, my heart began to crack and by the time I had landed at Lambert International Airport, my heart was shattered to bits. With an array of emotions flooding through me, I threw on the first smile that I could grab and hugged the sisters close. My heart was torn in two; one part hurt, and one part joy.

One year ago, I left you all and began writing the continuing story of my life. I told you all when I left, 'Don't cry because my time here is over. Smile because of the time we shared.' Little did I know that those words would be hard to live by. If you must know, I have cried terribly... but I have also laughed hysterically, when remembering the moments that changed the course of my life.

MM, I wish you could know that I have kept my promise. Never forgetting, always remembering; I carry you all in my heart.