My braids are out, my itty-bitty tan is faded, I use my phone, I wear pants again (sometimes). I say "Good morning" instead of "Bon matin" or "I ni sogoma" and introduce myself as Monica, not Monique.
But my tennis shoes still have red dirt clinging to them. I can't get used to being able to wave with my left hand. I miss eating with my hands! And the smells of shea butter - real shea butter, which I brought back with me - and woodsmoke give me a feeling I can only describe as a kind of homesickness.
I cannot be the same again. And I cannot wait to go back.
I don't think I'll go back as a doctor or a nurse. I thought I might. But one day, as we walked into the hospital delivery room, we saw a woman in hard labor, ready to deliver at any time. I very nearly passed out at the very thought of waiting through what remained of her labor, let alone helping with the delivery.
I'm not exactly sure how or when I'll get back. But I didn't go for no reason, that's for sure. And now I think I might be a little addicted. :)
Thank you all so much for praying for me while I was gone. Believe it or not, I was not sick once in Mali! I was mildly dehydrated a couple of times (since the air is so dry sweat evaporates quickly - you're actually hotter than you think you are but you don't feel the need to drink like you should) but never once sick, despite having eaten some pretty unusual food. ;)
Your prayers for my health and for the whole trip in general mean more to me than you know. As a small, small gift in return for all of y'all's unspeakable generosity on so many levels, I'd like to share just a glimpse of my stay in Mali. You can check out my pictures here: https://www.facebook.com/monica.wacker.1/media_set?set=a.749776175041614.1073741831.100000277140840&type=3. As before, you don't have to have Facebook in order to view the photos; the album is public. Feel free to leave me any questions in the comments below!
So now the question is, what is the next step? Where do I go from here?
I'm glad you asked!
Remember how, when I got back from my 10 days in Spain last November, that I'd go back to Spain in a heartbeat?
*thum-thump*
Ta-da! This June 9-14, one branch of the C&MA will be meeting in Spain for its annual forum. And guess what?! They need help with childcare!! As a member of the CD 100 I was notified of this opportunity in December. Once again, God has had His wonderful hand all over this trip and has made it possible for this to be an even better journey than my last in Spain.
That's right - I get to take this trip with Rachel! I'm so excited to head back to Torremolinos, and I'm beyond ecstatic to do it with my best friend (okay, yeah, so she's my sister too)! We'll be joining 6 others from the Central District and from Colorado to serve God's people by serving their children.
My Father has already graciously provided for my financial needs for this trip. However, Rachel is raising funds and has planned her first fundraising event for April 26. We'd love for you to join us; you know how to reach us with any questions. (Though since my daddy's making the pancakes, I don't see how there could possibly be any questions necessary ;) ) Thank you so much for serving with us in this way. Hope to see y'all in a couple of weeks!
Stay tuned for more details on Spain, round 2. Ala ka duba aw ye!
