soaking it all in

The past few days have been remarkable!!! Sunday, Jeremy and I went and visited to the family of one of the kids we are friends with on the street, Kande. His family is so beautiful and warm and inviting. His mother, father, brothers, sister-in-laws and many little nieces and nephews all live in the house and they all greeted us with big smiles and warm hearts. Africa hospitality was at it's finest. Kande's mom fed us upon arrival (and I have to say that I do not like the dish his momma served but she cooked it different than any other place and it was really good!) and sat and visted with us for a long time. His family's house is up on a hill on the outskirts of town and you can see to the ocean and many parts of the city from the house. After we sat for awhile, we went on a walk around the area and we were able to see all they wantd to share with us. The day was full and we had to cut our visit short because Cami was throwing us a Good-Bye party that evening, which we ended up being really late to because of our visit to Kande's. It was a little stressful, but we eventually arrived. When we walked up to the house we could hear music and saw people everywhere dancing and singing. It was a big worship service. They had invited everyone we have been close to during our time here, so the house was packed. There were so many people that they were spilling out of the house. We walked in and the place felt electric with love and celebration. The Lighthouse kids were playing the drums, Foday was playing the guitar and Pastor Suliman (I know you don't know all these names, but they mean something to me) was leading worship. After worship, we ate and talked and danced the night away. It was one of the most beautiful evenings I have ever been a part of. The Lighthouse kids danced all night and played the drums. They even got us white folks to dance a couple dances....and let me just say I cannot move this body like an African can move theirs! :) I hope that I don't ever forget one moment of the evening!!!!!! So that was Sunday. Then yesterday we celebrated the December birthdays at Lighthouse. Cami brings in a cake and then the kids that have birthdays stand in the middle and we each go up to them one by one and tell them all that we love about them and encourage them. I told Cami that I am going to fly back once a month, just so that I can be a part of each month's celebration. These kids are amazing and so rich in beauty. I wish I could be here to tell each one how precious they are. So that was yesterday and that was GREAT! Then today we had our last prayer/worship time as a community. It was great, we read through Psalm 23....good stuff! The Lord is so good! Then Jeremy and I went into town and went to lunch with Sheku, one of the Lighthouse kids, for his birthday. It was so much fun to sit and visit with him and just to be able to celebrate him. He is such a sweet and tender heart. I wish you all could see his smile and watch him dance, it would make any heart come alive. I then spent the afternoon with our friends on the street. I just sat there watching all the people. I am really going to miss this place, even with all the noise and filth and sadness...I am going to leave so much of my heart here! Even now, I look out the window of the internet cafe and watch people walking and traffic flying by and I am overcome with joy to be here and sadness to be leaving. The people are amazing and they work so hard. Life is not easy in Salone and I admire their strength. This whole week is full of fun things and being with people I love. I am looking forward to the rest of it! Right now, I am off to have dinner with our team and Kristen and Sarah. They are two girls that we have become friends with from the U.S. that are here for a year with Children of the Nations...if you think about it pray forthem. Being away from your family on the holidays is not easy. It is so weird to think that Christmas is just two weeks away. It definitely does not feel like Christmas here. I am looking foward to warm sweaters and chilly nights and lots of Christmas tunes upon my return. As much as I am heart sick about leaving, I am excited about coming home and getting to see you all. It is such a tug-of-war in my heart. Well, I am off for now. Will try to write again later this week. Have a cup of hot chocolate for me and listen to a good Christmas CD!