Za ni koma Amerika

Well, I was going to write this tomorrow, but the reality is: There's so much to do and I'm running out of time.

As I pack up my stuff and visit my friends to say goodbye, there is so much going through my head. I'm so excited to see everyone - so excited to talk to people about what I've learned here (if anyone has some extra hours lying around) - and so excited to come back one day.

Two nights ago we had our soireè culturel - think Do-In/Montreat variety show, but in Africa. A lot of people did not want to do it. So, the event sort of caused tensions in an already tense group of girls. However, once our friends showed up, everything was different. We had an amazing time playing our drums, dancing, doing skits, and enjoying a little public humiliation. Not to mention it was the last time we got to see a lot of people. Though we've had our differences this semester, I think we all we're all leaving this country with a little different perspective. What we've had here, which has been this amazing, trying, and blessed semester of lessons and adventure, is ours. It's something we'll always share; and though we can't wait to share our stories back home, it's something that only we will ever be able to really understand.

So as I walk through the markets one last time, eat lunch with my professors who taught me so much - mostly outside the classroom, get covered in henna by my amazing and truly God given homestay family, and tell Idi goodbye, I thank all of them for everything.

I wish that I could bring all of you here one by one and show you this beautiful overlooked country, but at least I might get to share a little piece Niger when I come home.

I love all of you. Thanks for checking in on me for from time to time. You guys have been my wonderful support back home. Because of you, leaving here is the epitome of bittersweet. I'll miss the desert wind, but I'll see you soon.

(Side note - probably won't post this summer - but I leave on August 24th for Sydney - another big adventure!!)