I am home! I had mixed emotions coming home, I didn't really want to leave the other members of my team (leaders included) who have become like family to me. But I also wanted to get home, partly so I could give everyone their presents. I had enough jewellery that I bought as gifts that, when trying to limit our weight as much as possible I had 8 necklaces and 4 bracelets on. Now I don't really like wearing jewellery, so as soon as I got out of customs I ripped all the jewellery off and threw it in my bag. I felt like the jewellery had been strangling me!
 
We all got through customs pretty quickly, we only got caught up for a few mins while they checked one of the tents I was carrying and the tent that one of the boys had. Several of the souvenirs I have I was really blessed to get through, the lady was so busy checking my tent that she didn't ask to see my souvenirs, only the jewellery I was wearing!

I had such an amazing time. Everything we did was beneficial and so was what I learned from what we did. People have been asking me what was the best part or what was my highlight. I really don't have a favourite part, so much as a favourite thing and that was my team and the relationships that were developed. Learning how to cope with people when you don't get a break from them and learning to ask God for grace to deal with them, especially when everyone is tired. I think that learning how to work with and get along with people was one of the most important things I learned. I have never had much experience in the area and I tend to need a bit of space and quiet at times especially when I am constantly around people. It really helped having half an hour of Devotion every morning and half an hour of library reading every evening during which we had to be silent. Each morning I was often awake half an hour to an hour before almost everyone else and when possible the leaders gave me a tent to myself. (I mentioned something early on about needing space sometimes and as we had an odd number of girls there was always one tent with only 1 girl. They were really considerate and gave me a tent to myself when they were able!) With out those quiet times and God's strength, I am not sure how I would have survived the summer.

I shall write more tomorrow but I need to go to bed now and catch up on the rest I desperately need. I just want to quickly say thankyou so, so much for all your prayers. I neglected to mention that, but your prayers too were a crucial part in getting me first of all on the trip and then through the summer. Thankyou everyone for your support.

Au Lomani Iko!