To Anyone Who Has Asked Me “How Is Being Back in America?” and Actually Wants the Answer:

I don’t blame you for asking, and I’m sorry if you’re tired of hearing “It’s great!” every time you ask. So here is a glimpse into how it’s all come together since stepping off the plane almost 2 weeks ago.

Free stuff rocks. I’ll take a chic haircut and vintage desk please.

When you’re friends [...]

To Missionary Guilt:

ME, GUILTY MISSIONARY (GM): What should we do tonight? 
ROOMMATE BROTHER (RB): Save Africa.  We only have 4 days left.
GM: I was thinking we could watch High Fidelity.  I need a movie with narration.
RB: And John Cusack.
GM: You know me too well.
RB: So, the Africans dying and going to hell?
GM: Right.  About that….
2 hours later
GM: I [...]

To the Other White Girl:

Why did you leave? In a stadium of 2,000 Malian men, we’re supposed to stick together! You don’t know what a relief it was to see you at half time. I sat on the hot cement seat for a whole 45 minutes wondering what the heck was I doing at this soccer game [...]

To Macaroni and Cheese:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow for the heavenly goodness in your every bite. Who can warm my heart like you do? Macaroni and cheese, food above all foods. I say your name as if I’m reading a book to a group of Kindergarteners and I’ve just gotten to the most [...]