I feel I've come back to a different country--one that's lush and green and breezy. See this picture? That's the view from my lovely, sunny Room B.
Yes, this is a pretty poor picture, because no, I have not taken a panorama before, because yes, I have an iPhone now, because no, I did not have a functioning good phone before now, and yes, I will be taking countless pictures now, because no, I did not take enough last semester, and yes, I am thrilled to have a nice phone, and no, I don't have a picture of it.
As rough as the long haul to get here was, and as sad as it was to leave my dear family and friends, I am so happy to back here. I have a hundred and one things to do to get ready to teach on Monday, but I have lots of fun new school supplies, a new French press and stash of coffee, new shoes, and a new semester ahead of me. It's exciting.
It's not necessarily easy; it was great to live in the world of Target and Starbucks (and Targets with Starbucks in them) for a few weeks, where I can get in a car and plan on being back in 30 minutes because I can get to four different places quickly, on safe roads, and, well, make it back home in 30 minutes. American food, cold nights, and a cozy bed ensured comfort and enjoyment every day. But that isn't my life right now. It's funny to think about how long it has been my life--nearly 23 years--but now, as I jump into year 23, it's not my life anymore; it's vacation.
Life is back here in the breezy rainy season of Malawi, where there are papers to grade, mosquito nets to tuck around the mattress, obstacles to drive around, bugs to violently dispatch of, and food to hopefully purchase (without guarantees of availability).
Not to mention friends to catch up with, students to welcome back, and new markers to write on the board with.
I can't complain.
