Oh the JOY!!!

I'm sitting in London-Heathrow Airport at an internet cafe, trying to hold down my utter excitement at the speed of this internet connection. I forgot just how lovely advanced technology could be!!!!!! It's the little things in life that tickle me. =)

Well, I'm almost halfway home and had a good 9 hours of flying from Nairobi to 1) try to sleep and 2) think about my time in Tanzania. I can't say that I did very well with either of those options. I tried my best to sleep, as it was an overnight flight, but you know how comfortable it is in economy class. Even melatonin and an eye mask didn't help very much. I hope that means I will sleep well tonight (in my own bed!!). For now I'm downing the MOST DELICIOUS cafe mocha to try and keep my eyes open for the next 10 hour leg of flying. If I can make myself stay awake until this evening in Austin then I won't have terrible jet lag tomorrow.

With regards to task number 2, I know that the full impact of my experiences in Tanzania has not "hit me" yet. At the moment (besides feeling tired), I feel sad that I had to leave and have a strong desire to return some day soon. I feel almost protective of my memories, wanting to replay events and relive the experiences in my mind before talking about them with anyone else. I am pleased with myself for keeping a fairly detailed journal over the last four weeks (separate from this blog) and know that it will be one of my greatest personal treasures. I am as prepared as I can be for the coming reverse-culture-shock (but I have to tell you again how excited I am about this fast internet connection, my cafe mocha, and people who wear DEODORANT!!).

I can't call my mother right now because it's the middle of the night in the U.S., but HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you Mom, and all you other moms out there.

Much love to you all, and see you soon!