Today I had to sit down and write my first blog for NMSI since being back in America. Sitting down to write a blog after two weeks in an office is a little daunting. We spent the last month traveling 17,434 miles to Africa and back, and now our daily walk to the office is about forty feet. Then as I think about these two weeks, I realize that the adventures have still been there. No, they are not quite as grand as traveling to three different countries and eating fish eyes and chicken feet...but they’re still there. Everyday we get the opportunity to write stories and make videos about what God is doing around the world. That right there is an incredible honor. One of the most impactful stories I’ve had the privilege of working on is a children’s book for Shekinah Babies Home, located in Kampala, Uganda. In my first newsletter about Uganda I wrote about Susan, and her heart for rescuing babies off the street. One of the ways we’re helping spread the word about her ministry is writing a children’s book. Or attempting to write one. I’ve never done something like this, and honestly it scares the stink out of me. I just keep praying God would give me the words to say that His name would be honored and this book would play a small part in helping more of those sweet babies to be rescued from the roads. Spending the majority of the day staring at smiling faces we had to leave behind creates a sense of longing. As I process the material, I'm realizing it is also a continual way for me to debrief and process what we experienced. Experiencing culture shock is never a fun thing, but spending time working on the different stories seems to create a way for me to still live in those experiences while gradually become acquainted to being back in America again.
On top of putting together stories, every day is filled with small adventures: Chick-fil-A Cow Appreciation Day (yes, we definitely dressed up as cows). 7/11 free Slurpees (you’re never too old, right?). Talking about books. Talking about movies. Reminiscing over our time and the people we miss. Talking about more books and more movies. As I look back over our time in Ft. Myers, some of my fondest memories are the evenings where we’re gathered in Abigail’s kitchen. Up to our elbows in ingredients, singing along with music, and laughter filling our hearts as we attempt to make food. While our days are no longer filled with the sound of children yelling or drums beating, our days are still filled with as much love, excitement, and adventure as they were when we traveled.

I had the amazing opportunity to drive up to Clearwater this past weekend and surprise my family on vacation! We had planned for them to come visit me on Monday, but God was incredibly gracious to offer a way for me to spend the entire weekend with them! It was much needed time with them, filling them in on my trip and sharing the many things God has been teaching me on this internship. On Monday we drove together down to Ft. Myers where I gave them a tour of NMSI and introduced them to a lot of the wonderful people I have the blessing of working with this summer. The weekend went by too quickly, but I gladly took every minute I was able to spend with them. It is hard to believe that in two short weeks I will be heading back to TN. My how the summer has flown by.

Prayer Requests:
-God would continually give us creativity as we share His stories
-Safety for other NMSI interns as they return to the home office in a week and a half for debrief
-My remaining time would be productive and to the best of my ability
-God would continue opening and closing doors as I consider possible jobs after graduation

Thank you for your prayers!

Love,
   Bekah