reunited in johannesburg!!!!!

  "if it’s true, as shakespeare wrote,  that “parting is such sweet sorrow,”  then perhaps we could say that reuniting  is the sweetest joy. while saying goodbye  can be heart-wrenching at times,  reconnecting with loved ones we haven’t  seen in a while can be among life’s  greatest moments.

for this reason, airports can be the 
happiest and the saddest of places - full of 
goodbyes and hellos that bring a tear to the 
eye and a lump to the throat. soldiers 
returning from active service are joyously
 embraced. loved ones away for a season are
 welcomed into open arms. and weary 
travelers are almost instantly rejuvenated 
by the sight of their family or friends. 
it matters not if they’ve been away for a 
few days or a few years... welcome-homes 
are moments to cherish.

in reality, we are continually saying goodbye
 and hello. and because life is short, we must
 make the most of each homecoming." 

...couldn't say anything better myself. i am one happy girl right now.

lots of pics and updates to come, but hi from SOUTH AFRICA!!!! here are a FEW pictures from my phone before lots more to come.

^^ the two cutest faces i could ever see 

after 30 hours of flying. love them!!!

loved having johannesburg on my ticket!!!

dinner at amazing wombles our first night ^^

introduced to the AMAZING food here

{best steak} and their cola tonics! ^^

i came bearing gifts since SA has had a postal strike

and we couldn't mail any christmas gifts...it was

like christmas night the first night with them!! ^^

i think he liked his gift! :)

i gave my mom a cute burlap africa map 

and this bracelet with pictures of our 

family so she always has us with her!

{it was made here}

seeing the mission home they live in...

love it! my room has a jungle out the window!

nothing like having my mom's cooking again ^^

^^ spotted these cute pictures right here by the

front door...proof they haven't forgotten us! ;)

breakfast in bed from the cutest dad ever ^^

^^ morning run in their neighborhood!

so crazy to be seeing their new life -- 
new cars -- new house -- everything!
it looks pretty good on them!

^^ now i know i'm with my mom :) 

somehow, south africa feels like home

even though i've never been here. 

xo