Returning Reflections

Back in the states, finally. I've cleaned up and feel better, healthier. The place where I grew up returns to me the comforts that I so longed for while I was away. It's been an happy transition, though not without it's rough spots of doubt, pain, and feeling extremely out of place! It's taken a few months to be able to say this, but I can look back now and feel proud of my projects, content in the friendships I made, and grateful for the constant support of friends and family back home.

Four thousand kids and school staff now have access to running water in their schools, alhumdililah, and will stay hydrated during school hours. Trees have been planted, kids and teenage girls maybe know a little bit more about basic sexual reproductive health that isn't taught in schools. A few high school students know a little more English and maybe some others in the community are a little more confident in doing what they need to do to prevent the spread of AIDS. Hopefully, a couple more teachers now see the importance of teaching health and are using tools to help kids learn and pay attention better. Maybe even a couple of people will actually stave off malaria with Neem Cream this rainy season. What I really hope for is that those personal bonds formed overseas will be long-lasting, something to support the bridge that links the benefits that I gained from the experience to what I hope I left behind.

The experience has taught me so much. I'm immensely grateful for being born into a land of opportunity. I truly appreciate what this country has to offer, from grass on a front lawn to the convience of a grocery store, to the ability to contribute my opinion to the election of a president and the passing of a law, to the freedom to practice whatever religion I choose, without judgment by my neighbor or restrictions of the law. I'm happy that my gender and race are not seen as something to be taken advantage of, that I won't be ignored because of the anatomy of my body or sought out for money because of the color of my skin.

Aside from that, the experience has really taught me how much of the world suffers from the lack of what we take for granted here in America: strong govermental support for infastructure and education. I am choosing to take the steps to continue to help improve the quality of life for those who are unfairly punished for their place of birth. I'm leaving home once again to pursue my Master's in Public Health in International Health and Development, at Tulane University in New Orleans in August. Although I'm happy to be back in America, I'll never leave Africa. It's with me where ever I go, from here on out.