More than anything I said or did on this journey, the real impact is in what the individuals of Africa gave to me. Despite only knowing war, despite sickness and death, despite fear and loneliness, the women, men, and children I met had hope. They did not despair. They were the most joyous, open, friendly people I have ever spent time with. Their uninhibited expression of affection was striking in a group of people who based on their traumatic histories could be fearful, distrustful, and closed off. However, they danced and praised God with such energy and force; He is their Deliverer, their Healer, their Lover -- and, I believe, the reason they have the amazing capacity to still love. As much as the people I met are in need of many basic things such as safe water, food, clothes, medical care, and education, they certainly have their priorities straight when it comes to what is most live-giving. People. True genuine, get-into-the-details-of-your-life-because-I-do-care relationships are what's important.
~ Katie