Update

So as of now Alicia and I have celebrated more anniversaries in Africa than at home. On June 23'rd we had our 3 year. We went to a world cup game that night. It was incredible. The atmosphere, stadium, crowds and the bus rides. It was Australia vs Serbia and turned out to be a great game, 2:1 for Aussie. We have been spending a lot of time watching the other games on TV with people and it has been a great chance to bond.

We recently found out my parents have booked tickets to come out to South Africa for the end of September and we are extrememly excited. Now we're busy planning what we want to do while they're here.

I can't believe we have been here for 2 months. The time flies here and I get glimpses of how fast this year is going to go. I try to take my time and really take in the experience, so it's not something that just hits me on the plane ride home. The quietness of where we are really has a way of slowing you down. At first coming from the west it feels isolating and boring at times. Then you come to love and cherish the quietness. A chance to reflect. It makes me scared to go back home. To fall into the same old routines again. Life is short and that's why I should be acknolweding the experience right infront of me. Taking time so slow down my pace. The Western world is result driven and here in Africa it's relationship driven. There has to be a way to find a happy medium if nothing else.
Africa has changed me, and I see that can make some people uncomfortable, but I can't deny it. I have new role models, new ideas and a new perspective. I've been challenged. I feel more like who I was meant to be and what I was meant to be doing. If it feels more fitting it must be the right direction, right? I love what is happening and embrace it. While those on the surface might not notice the change, I feel it deep inside. It's true when people say we could be doing volunteer work anywhere, and I'm sure I will carry on back home, but I love Africa. I feel a huge debt to Africa, Hands at Work, friends, family and my amazing wife. It isn't easy to pick up and move across the world, but the support of everyone makes it possible. Thank you, we love and miss everyone at home.

-T