Missing home.

I miss the strangest things. I miss collapsing into a fit of laughter over some stupid comment made by one of my fellow public health conspirators thats not really funny to anyone else (i'm talking about sam, scottie, and lakshmy), i miss splenda because now i'm forced to use raw sugar so I'm accutely aware of my caloric intake, i miss being ignored (you think i'm kidding but i'm not), i miss TV and movies, I miss english, noise, and air that does not smell like diesel fuel. I miss dogs with wagging tails and laundry that does not dry in the sun but in a dryer (not that i don't really like the sun, it does a great job warming the earth!). Sometimes I cannot remember what driving my car is like, or a frappacino or wall to wall carpet. Did i mention that all floors in africa are cement or dirt? Sometimes the only way to get cool is to lay down against the cold floor. So yes, i'm a little bit nostalgic. I put mom on a plane home yesterday and spoke to some friends in the states and now I miss it. But i'll be home soon enough. We are in the throws of planning our trip to Uganda next weekend. I cannot wait to see the nile and swim with the crocadiles (just kidding mom and all relatives!). My time here is now starting to wind down, we are preparing for the end, ensuring 'sustained benefits', and 'wrapping up'. I'm so grateful for everyone who has been there for me this summer, even when you thought you were just listening to me talk or writing me a note, i needed it. Knowing that people back home believed in me has been crucial in getting through all the ups and downs. And to Africa, I hope I was a gracious guest!