Ambovombe and SO much more

Well get ready, I think this blog is going to be epically long. We just got back from the South and it was incredible. It is really mind blowing how much the culture changes among the people and even the surrounding resources, as we move. The road was long and unpaved, but I quickly found primitive beauty to be so much more satisfying. Staying with the family in Ambovombe, in the compound was such a change from my everyday life. Showers were a bucket of water, and the bathroom, simply a hole in the ground. Unfortunately I didn’t take a picture of either of these things, but the cockroaches were great incentive to get by duties done quickly! I was so blessed by everyone. They welcomed me with my own bed and a beautiful open living space. It felt luxurious. The food was simple, just the way I like it. Rice (vary maina), Oh and soupy rice (vary sosoa) which was my favorite. Meat came scarcely in chicken, turkey, zebu, and goat, which was heavenly (despite the little hairs still grasping onto it), and the vegetables were my dessert. Mmmm! The children were my light, the songs were my prayers, and the love was my blanket of warmth. Despite our obvious illumination from the Tandroy people, I felt quite ordinary. Tana, Tsihombe, Ambovombe, or Tamtave, it is the same feeling. I feel as if everywhere I go, and as much as I give, I receive it all back ten times over. It is in every smile and actions as quaint as a grasp of my skirt by a girl in the market. The gifts are in their eyes, and I am staring into the face of beauty, in awe. After going to the South, I have been further inspired to make this place a part of my home. I am excited to continue on with Madagascar on Board (Karen and Kelly’s project), to create a safe environment for kids to learn, and receive a prosperous education. It is so rare here, especially places in and around Ambovombe; to graduate even from high school. On another note, I have been introduced to a new part of myself. I am learning more about giving. That it is not just about what I can give, but how I give it and the meaning behind it. I have opened myself up to my limits, and accepted them, with the knowledge that what I can offer will be enough. As this time is passing, and coming to an end, I am trying to seize it all in the palm of my hand. And so it may be a gift in writing, given to me so that I may give it again, to all of you, and hopefully back to some of them. Thank you. These are two words in constant repetition among the mess of my thoughts. Thank you, for I feel an abundance of joy and satisfaction.