Back in Denver

Zach and I are back in Denver! It is 5 a.m. and we have both been up for a couple hours already despite our efforts to sleep in "late". It will take us a while to get back on the right schedule.

The trip back was long but largely uneventful. It was fantastic to see Todd and Alyssa and to be able to hold Alyssa in my arms again.

The overall feeling for me from the trip is a sense of awe and amazement at the incredible love and generosity given to us during the trip. The Fulani people welcomed us with open arms, took care of our every need, and treated us with incredible generosity. They were kind and caring and embraced us fully. In each village we visited, we were given complete outfits (you should see the pictures of our group all decked out in the clothes they gave us). They provided our meals and welcomed us into their families. It truly was an experience that is beyond anything I ever expected.

We were also warmly hosted and cared for by some Methodist missionaries in Dakar. We used their vehicle and chauffeur, and prior to the trip took all our meals in their space. At the tail end of the trip, we showered at their house and used their computer. A few of us walked down to the beach for a last little bit of time and had some of the most magical moments of the trip as we watched hundreds of people walk and do exercises and play soccer in the sand. Zach brought a bag full of sand back with him - one last fleeting bit of Senegal to keep.

I'll post pics later today. Believe it or not, I think it is time to get Zach going on homework, so he can use his really awake hours to get something done. He will stay home from school today, with all hopes of getting him back on track tomorrow.

Thanks for all your support. I'll keep posting now that I am back on the computer so that you can learn more about the trip.