I think it's safe to say that the Shock of being back in Africa isn't coming. It's been a week and feels like we're back at home. For the last week we have just been doing orientation and getting back into the swing of things. I love the community feel here, it's like our second family.
The other day we went to the After School Program that we taught last year to see the kids. They were exstatic, jumping around and yelling. Last year it was so hard to say goodbye to them. This time it felt so good to see them. We have also seen so many friends that we left behind last time. Just spending time catching up with people. It's all been amazing.
We talked with George (founder of Hands at Work) on the balcony of their place looking out over the Masoyi community. The view is unbelievable and somehow compliments what he is saying. I felt something ignite inside me. Whatever doubts or insecurities I had seem to vanish and all that is left is a drive to help in whatever way I can.
Africa has such a community feel and a richness of spirit that draws you in. You can't fight it. It feels good for my soul to be back here. I look forward to diving into the work, but I am soaking up every ounce of the people, landscape and all my surroundings along the way.
-T
about us
- Tyler and Alicia Ralph
- Our lives were unmistakably changed the day we stepped on African soil. Almost immediately it became a place where we felt and still feel a deep sense of freedom, joy and belonging. It is a place we have eagerly committed our lives to because of the blessing we have been shown by the beautiful people who live throughout Southern Africa. It is a place where there are people we call family; people who embrace us with joy, acceptance and love but who also help us grow by holding us accountable for what we say and do. It is a place that we can comfortably call home and we are beyond excited to be returning to serve the men, woman and children who have impacted our lives so deeply.
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5 comments:
So glad to hear everything is going so well for you both. Enjoy your time and be safe.
hey ty, this is very heartfelt. i feel you, man. seems like this is where you're meant to be. looking forward to hearing more from you.
s
Africa has been calling us home in the passed few weeks. We are struggling to figure out a way to get back there and live... I am so happy for you and so glad you are at peace.
Blessings,
Alicia
It's so exciting to hear the passion burning in your heart, Tyler. There is no doubt whatsoever you and Alicia are where you should be. God has called you and you have been obedient.....keep your heart humble and your eyes open and you'll be amazed at the work He is going to do through you.
We can't wait til we meet up with you ....wherever that may be in Africa. Our hearts are burning to go and we are already counting the days.
love you!
What a blessing the two of you have been given to spend another stint in Africa, doing what you love. With the poverty and suffering that prevails, I was surprized to find it was place that ignited such joy and happiness in my heart. I hope that one day I will also be able to return.
Alicia, you write beautifully, and I will certainly look forward to reading about the adventures that unfold for two of you over the coming year.
Good luck and God bless
Cathy Pledger
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