you say goodbye, and i say hello.

Saying goodbye to Egypt and hello to America...

one last visit with my kiddos

fun evenings with the camp kids

goodbye dinner at a cafe

hugging my parents at the airport!

hugging Millie at the airport :)

The 3rd Annual Jenschke Bowl

TCU football

Super Target..pure greatness

The Rangers made the World Series!

beautiful Fall leaves
good talks with friends over coffee

It was hard to say goodbye, but it has been such a good time being home. I am a lucky girl to have two great homes and wonderful people on both sides of the world to share them with.

this post is brought to you by the number 2.

Two.

Two years ago today, I landed here to start a new life overseas. I can't believe it. Time really does fly. My how I have changed, the things I have seen, learned, and experienced. It has been a phenomenal ride. One that I will never forget.

Two days from now, I will be back in America. I feel like it will all seem like a dream. Did I really do that? Did I really live in Egypt for two years? I am so grateful for the time I have had here. Thankful for the people I have gotten to know and work with and thankful for all that the Father has brought me through.

I can't wait to see what is next.

a beautiful friendship

I just got back from a wonderful vacation. I went to see a friend who lives in Morocco and then we went to Paris for a few days. I am so thankful for travel and good friends to share it with. Here is a taste of my Morocco trip.

first stop...Casablanca!

you can't go to Casablanca without going to Rick's

we toured a huge mosque

next up...Rabat

some yummy couscous

then on to Fez!

and finally Meknes

Morocco is amazing! It had been at the top of my list to visit and did not disappoint. Beautiful culture and beautiful people.

Is this really my life??

So, I went into a shop the other day, browsing, minding my own business and this guy walks by and says, "Hey." I responded in kind, "Hey." A few minutes later he approaches me, and in perfect English starts up a conversation. I could tell he wasn't from here, but also not American.

Here's how it went down.

Guy: So do you think this soap will work out for me?
Me: You mean the brand? Yeah, sure. I bet it will be fine. (weird question, right?)
So are you a student?
Yeah, I study on the other side of town.
Cool, I'm a student too. I'm from Angola.
Awesome (walking away)...nice to meet you.
So, do you drink?
What?
Do you drink alcohol?
Um...no.
Really? OK. So can can I have your number?
Sorry, no.

Really? I'm getting hit on by an Angolan guy buying soap that speaks perfect English in the middle of Egypt? Did that just happen? Yes, yes it did. Oh my.

lunch on the floor with a priest

If I had a dollar for everything I've done in the past few years that I thought I'd never do.

About a week ago, two friends were in town checking out some of the work that we do here in the city. We went to go visit a church that we partner with funding small business projects in the community. We visited the businesses and then were invited to lunch. Oh my goodness, it was some of the best food I've ever had. And it was served on the floor on newspaper. Even better. Surrounded by the priest, his family, and the volunteer leaders of the church we laughed and ate until we couldn't eat anymore. It was so much fun and felt like being with family. Truly one of the best days I have spent here.

the neighborhood

a plastic recycling shop

impatiently waiting for lunch to be served

so much food

bil hanna wa shifa

a playground on the way to the metro...check out the guy on the swing

I love this place.

moving on.

4 months. 4...can count them on one hand...4. That's how many months I have left in this place. When I was on the other side of this, 4 months seemed like a long time to have been here. Now, these next few months will pass like the blink of an eye.

I should really be packing right now. I am moving apartments next week and have only one box packed. One of my least favorite things in life is packing. Hence the procrastination. Also, I'm sad to leave this place I have called home for the last few years. I've learned a lot, grown, laughed, and cried a lot here. It holds memories and carries familiarity.

I guess I'm relearning one of the many lessons I've learned in this process: Leaving home is never easy, but often necessary. I do, however, have a great place to go to next. I'll have a roommate again and be near friends who are also my teammates. It gives me hope for when I have to pack up and leave again in just a few short months. It will be SO hard to leave this place, but I have a great place to go--home. I have 2 homes now. It's a blessing and a curse. In one, always missing the other. But I am so thankful to be able to feel at home in more than one place. I am grateful for this experience the Father has led me to, and I am looking forward to the next one.

saturday morning entertainment

When I was a kid, I always had a reason to look forward to Saturday mornings--sleeping in, watching cartoons, or having a soccer game. Now, I get to hang out with these kiddos every Saturday morning tutoring English. They are so much fun!

this group would rather play than study--and that's OK with me! :)

these guys are a little more focused

We do get work done, I promise!