lost in the moment

I've been back in the States for almost a month now, which is hard to believe! What an emotional roller coaster it was saying goodbye to the children at the Village (not without my fair share of tears), exploring London (during the Olypmics!!) on our 17-hour layover, arriving at LAX, driving down to San Diego to stay the night with a couple of friends before getting on another plane (guess I can't get enough travel, haha) to head up to Seattle. I got to spend a couple of weeks there with family and some friends, which was a huge blessing! 

I think the best way to share this summer might be through pictures, so here you go:

Hanging out with kids during their lunch break

Mama Sara working in our kitchen - she prepared some of the most delicious rice & beans I've ever had!!

Treating the mamas to a spa day

Skipping and dancing through the field on Center Day

Feeding 500 children and parents on Center Day

Face painting on Center Day

Helping with sponsorship photos - making sure everyone gets their picture :)

Sometimes it's hard not to get lost in the moment when I look at these pictures. I loved telling stories from this summer and sharing pictures that allowed them to put faces to names they were hearing. The children I met, lived with, helped teach, and loved this summer forever changed my heart. I miss them all so much! I hope and pray that the moments I experienced this summer can help me continue to change my perspective on life.

The girls in Mama Noreen's house - love them and their SMILES!

I am so grateful to have such supportive friends and family who have really been there for me throughout my life. Thank you all for your thoughts & prayers throughout the summer - I can only begin to tell you the kind of experience I had, the change that has taken place in my heart. The people I met and the experiences I had this summer will never be forgotten. 

♥ mk