My astonishment, a tightness in my chest,

surprises me as we taxi into the docking bay at the airport. We've just landed at JFK International airport in New York and one of the first things I notice is all the light posts... on the tarmac...along the freeways. I'm again overcome with the realization that although enlightened in so many ways, the illumination that our developed world offers keeps us from so many simple pleasures, like the breathtaking glory of the stars from horizon to horizon. A true wonder each night in the Saharan sky.

I'm back to this home again.

The journey was incredible, more difficult than even I imagined, but also more complete. The village meetings, the joyful women, old friends, market day chaos, riding three strong on a motorcycle through the bush. Niger.
The gifts given by so many of you, and the opportunities to share these gifts.
I can still hear the grateful blessings over and over and feel the reached out hands as I walk out of each village on our journey of giving.

Now, walking along the jetway into the airport, I can't help but smile when I look down at my black boots. All the crevices are filled with the red sand/dust that has permeated my clothes, hair, and feet, since setting foot on Nigerien ground.
I think of the crowd of little dusty faces and the bellowing cheers as I make my way through the village feeling like the pied piper blowing bubbles along the way...


Since I was not able to post blogs along the way, I have recorded them and will be adding them here as time allows.
So many stories, thoughts, and emotions that I would like to share. Please come back to visit this week to catch a glimpse of the beauty gleaned from this "other world", and to hear about the success we've had in planting Seeds of Hope.

To the world you may be one person,
but to one person you may be the world.

Zoulleha