South Africa, you set me up for spiritual success for my next three months in Africa. You brought boldness out in me I didn’t know I had. You spoiled me with cold mornings and evenings. You prepared me with invaluable tools for children’s ministry. You tested my tastebuds with your not so delectable chicken feet. South Africa, because of you I am blessed. 

Zimbabwe, you stole my belief that it takes years to build friendships. You showed me how powerful a hug can be. You gave me the opportunity to be vulnerable and touch lives. You filled me with delightful rusks and sweet butternut squash. Your people stole a piece of my heart that I’ll never get back. You distracted me with all your joys so much I didn’t even realize how homesick I was until I left. Zimbabwe, because of you I have joy.  

Zambia, I’m sorry to say you will go down in my books as one of the most challenging countries, so far, of my World Race. You tested me with your power outages, miscommunications, heat, and more heat. However, you taught me how I can choose joy even in difficult circumstances. I love your N’shema! You helped me take my first steps of becoming a morning person. You renewed my love for simple living and early morning runs. Zambia, because of you my life is simpler. 

Malawi, you truly are the warm heart of Africa. You work hard, you love hard, you worship hard, you sing hard, and you give hard. You surprised me and made me slow down my pace of life and go with the flow and not stress. You showered me with your rains time and time again. Thank you for no bake cookies! You provided my team and I with the sweetest of settings to spend our last days together. Malawi, because of you I am adaptable. 

Africa, you are STRONG. I saw displays of your strength that I stared at in amazement and disbelief. You are beautiful. Your sunrises and sunsets and starry nights stole my breath repeatedly. You are content. Your expression of joy, even when all you have is so little, I envy. You are unforgettable. I will never be able to forget the sights you have shown me nor express the appreciation I have for all you have taught me. Thank you for the memories! Til next time my sweet Africa.