July 29, 2000

Dear Journal,

I’m on the plane right now and it’s 4:30 A.M.  The sun is rising outside my window and the moon is still clear and is hovered over top of the light spectrum.  The sky is red nearest the ground, the mountains, then a blackish cloud layer, then orange, then yellow and green then five different shades of blue- the darkest holding the moon in its place.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen something quite as magnificent and extraordinary as this.

I can’t believe Africa is to our south and that I’m headed home.

Soon I’ll be sitting on my porch swing recalling a dream of one that once became a reality for a small amount of time.

I dunno what I’ll act or be like when I get home and just sit on the couch or hang out with friends.  I think deep inside I’ll always think of Africa- comparing it to my everyday life here in America.

I would’ve done it over and over again if I had the chance.  As hard as the transition was, it was worth all the while.  It was worth learning all about myself.  It was worth learning more about the world, it was worth all the awesome friends I have now made and it was worth all the tears, all the laughter, all the fun times.

Love always,

Lauren