Fam Jam

I've introduced you many times to my Burkina family.
Here then, is my family family.
They crack me up. They're an amazing source of encouragement and support. They're awesome. 

Two years ago today (January 4, 2009) I was headed to the airport for my first trip to Burkina. 

I wanted to bring a picture of my family with me. Unfortunately, I didn't think of it until 10 minutes before we left for the airport (and we didn't have a good recent one). A little worried about travelling so far away, for so long, the idea of not having a family photo made me a bit panicky.  (It's silly but it's also true.)

Just as we were trying to figure out how to set a timer and get all 6 of us in the photo, and then out the door to the airport, one of our neighbours knocked on the door. He was stopping by to wish me merry travels from his family to mine, but was more than happy to snap a few family photos too.

I was able to head to the airport, picture in hand, and nerves calmed.

It was definitely, a cool 'thanks God!' moment: He knew exactly what I needed. (Like he always does).

I've commented often on the fact that I simply don't understand time. This is no exception. So much has happened since that January day in 2009 that I can't hardly believe it's been two years. And yet, when I think about it, I can still feel the butterflies of my first time travelling to Africa. I can still remember stepping onto the tarmac in Ouagadougou and smelling the sweet, thick, Burkina air for the first time. It was forever ago, but it wasn't really.