Here, There, and Everywhere

My romp across continents is finished. I am back in Malawi settling into the new school year, picking up semi-forgotten projects, and planning a few more adventures.



America was (and I'm fairly certain still is) amazing. The following is a brief itinerary of my American adventure.



Thursday-arrived in America, turkey sandwich waiting, milkshake on the way home. Life is good.

Friday-Drove to Minnesota. Personal transport is wonderful. So are outlet malls.



Saturday- Manicure/Pedicure, rehearsal dinner on the lake. I have missed America.



Sunday- MELISSA AND MARCUS GET MARRIED!!!



Monday- Fly to Houston



Tuesday- Surprise Sarah! Manicures/Pedicures and fajitas with Melissa and Sarah. Wonderful friends, wonderful food...why did I leave America? Later-Aligator hunt and small group. Houston wasn't sooo bad : )



Wednesday- Errands with Sarah, lunch downtown, dinner 1 with Sarah, Eric, and Sarah's parents, dinner 2 with my happy hour girls. So thankful for my health and my friends.



Thursday- Back to Grand Rapids. The sister arrives!!!!



Friday- Beach day with the family. I love Lake Michigan. so much. Drinks with Lizzie and Melissa. I love my friends.



Saturday- Bill's for breakfast. If you live in Grand Rapids, you too should make this a habit. Order special toast, I promise it will change your life. Dinner with Lizzie, Melissa, Mieke, Ganny, Meredith, Alix, Zach, Scott. Some things just never change. : )



Sunday- Bike ride with the mom. I love fall and I love ice cream. Both were available on this trip. Sister goes back to Tucson, but I will see her in 3 months!



Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday- Wake up, work out, have lunch with great people, research grad schools, visit Target, Schuler's, and other places of necessity, have dinner with more great people. Watch ridiculous television and listen to terrible music. I have missed America.



Friday-Drive to Indiana. Erin is getting MARRIED! Rehearsal, rehearsal dinner. My friends are so cool.



Saturday- Hair appointments, play dress up, take lots of pictures, drive in a sweet Impala to the church, ERIN AND MARTIN GET MARRIED, drive around in a golf cart, take more pictures, eat yummy food, dance for hours. Am I really going back to Malawi?



Sunday- Back to Grand Rapids. Pack. I guess I should go back to Malawi.



Monday- Long run with my dad. Lunch with my mom. Drive to Detroit. Fly to Amersterdam. I am ready to go back to Malawi.



Tuesday- Land in Amsterdam. Take the train into the city center, eat a hotdog, watch human mimes, take the train back to the airport, fly to Nairobi.



Wednesday- Land in Nairobi, it smells like Africa. Fly to Lilongwe. Check in at the hostel. Take long nap. I am home.



I missed America more than I imagined. I missed my family and friends, cheese, ice cream, personal cars, music, electricity, escalators, ice, showers, the smell of cut grass, fall leaves, going to the gym, calling people on the phone, and walking around after dark. But all of those things will be there when I return. I have work to do in Malawi, I have purpose in Malawi. Now it is back to business.



Keep the emails coming, I love hearing from home! Also, visitors are most welcome. Anytime. Really, anytime. ; )



loads of love,

elisabeth



p.s. A giant thank you to Auntie Carol, Memere, and the Rathbuns for the packages awaiting my arrival. : )