morocco-->spain-->england-->uganda

Whenever I am preparing for a big trip, I am usually running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done.  I forget to live in the moment but am always thinking about the place that I am going.  There is one person who can pull me back in and remind me what (who) I'll be missing--my mom.  One of the hardest things I have done in my life is saying goodbye to my mom at the airport when I am leaving for a long time.  This process is usually harder when even I am uncertain about my adventure (although I would never say that out loud).  

Case in point #1:  My first major trip abroad to Argentina, we both cried.

Case in point #2: My first trip to Uganda, we both cried.

Yesterday, I spoke in front of my church congregation (both services) to share what I am doing in Uganda.  Of course I made my mom go to both services.  At the end of every service,  we sing this song:

May you run and not be weary. May your heart be filled with song.

May the love of God continue to give you hope and keep you strong.

May your life be filled with joy!

And may the road you travel always lead you home.

I certainly believe that Case in point #3 will be my second trip to Uganda/the longest trip of my life.  I haven't even made it to the airport yet.  As excited as I am, it's always hard to leave behind my family, knowing their lives continue without me.  

So the plan is this:

Morocco with Maren and Nikki (Maren and I met Nikki in Argentina)

Spain with Maren

 London with Dana, Josh and Sarah (These are Teacher Exchange teachers who will be going to Uganda with me.  Dana and Josh both live in Denver)

 Uganda with T/EX where I will be teaching at Sir Samuel Baker Secondary School with the lovely Oola Elizabeth (and Josh and Sarah)

And may the road I travel lead me home.

argentina

Buenos Aires is cafe con leche and people on the streets,
Laprida 2050, Plaza Italia, and El Colegio Rio de La Plata.
Buenos Aires is Maren, Alyssa, and Nikki,
Zina, Eli, Pablo y Paola.
Buenos Aires is cold and hot,
busy and tranquil.
Buenos Aires is empanadas, dulce de leche and that really good queso.
Buenos Aires is table service and cubiertos,
colectivos, radio taxis, and the subte.
Buenos Aires is the first real test,
away from home, almost completely alone.
Buenos Aires is exhiliarating and a nervous wreck.
Buenos Aires is everything I am, am not, and want to be.
Buenos Aires is a crazy mix between English, Spanish, and even Portuguese.
Buenos Aires is the first time I knew I was okay. I was finally able to follow my dreams and become the girl I had always thought I would. I was finally teaching English in South America, but I was still torn. I had built a fabulous life for myself in Denver and had done it all on my own. I wasn't ready to stay, but I knew I would be back. Again and again. Just so I wouldn't forget to return, I left something behind. Hidden, so nobody could hurt it, I left my heart in Argentina.

Pictures that make me feliz!

Everyday, I think about the moment I can return to South America. It's only been a few months since my last trip to buenos aires. I constantly picture myself standing in the middle of Plaza Italia, completely in awe with everything surrounding me--the zoo, the botanic gardens, buses of every color. For some strange reason, it is here that I miss most. Maybe it's the pace of the city mixed with the Argentine culture that makes it seem as if everything is moving in slow motion. For now, I can only imagine it. One day, it will be my reality again. Ojala.