Final Thoughts

Well I suppose it’s about time I write my final thoughts for the trip.
At the end of our stay in Rwanda, we presented at KIE University. We told them about what we have learned from the trip. The night we left, we ate at the famous “Hotel Rwanda”. Yes, that would be the hotel the movie was films after. Gilliom brought his beautiful wife and new baby daughter to the hotel for us to meet. It was wonderful for him to share his family with us. His daughter was so cute.
Our plane didn’t leave until 4AM or sometime really late, and Jeremiah and Gilliom actually stayed with us until we were allowed to go to our gate. I knew we would miss them. The next day we arrived in Tanzania. Thanks to Leah, I actually got to bring my baskets home. I almost had to leave them in Tanzania because some customs man was abusing his power. We met our new drivers…. I missed Jeremiah and Gilliom! Then for the next two days we went on a safari. Basically, our safari was driving to and from our hotels. Our hotels were nested deep in the middle of the safari and it was a few hours of adventure to get to them. I loved being on the safari. It was an excellent transition! There is no way to describe the safari except to look at the pictures. I can’t upload my pictures to Picasa, so I guess people will just have to come to me to see them.
I was so ready to come home by that part. I loved Rwanda; I really don’t want people to think I didn’t enjoy the trip. I loved it; however, I missed my family and home. I learned so much from my trip to Rwanda. I had the opportunity to be immersed into a completely different culture, try different food, meeting new people, and observe in different schools. I was just not one of the ones who went that was ready to move to Rwanda. I, on the other hand, I would simply like to take what I have learned and apply it in my life. I would like to thank everyone who helped me get to Rwanda. It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s love and support. I would also like to thank a few special people who went on the trip with me (you know who you are) you guys helped me make the best memories. Miss you!
To my surprise, when I returned two of my best friends were at the airport with my family to surprise me. I also had a surprise party at my house when I returned. It was excellent to see everyone from my church and my family and friends. I also had another surprise, as if there could be any more. I guess my boyfriend must have really missed me while I was away… he surprised me by getting me a necklace from Tiffany’s!!! Thanks, Drew.
A few days after I got back, I started to feel really sick. Thursday night my parents almost took me to the emergency room because my stomach was hurting so bad. I went to the doctor and found out that I got some type of food poisoning… not fun. Luckily, the only thing I had to deal with was being weak and having stomach cramps. The doctor put me on some medicine and I eventually got over it…. Eventually.
Well those are the few updates I’ve had since I have returned. Thanks again for all of your help in getting me to and from Africa! I will never forget my experiences.