I've been searching for a place to call my own for quite some time now. I grew up in Livermore, CA until age 18, moved on to Redding until age 23, and for the last two years have been living in South Africa. I loved South Africa from the first time my foot touched the soil. And God has continued to make it abundantly clear that this really is the place for me.

I was in the US for just over 3 weeks, and it was the perfect amount of time. I got to spend quality time with my family, catch up with old friends, and speak at a handful of church services. It's always nice to come home to people that are genuinely interested in my life. I was blessed to have many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with people that are investing in my long-term future.

Here is a picture of our YMS team:

From left to right it is: DeDe (Luckyboy), Simon, Canny, Leah, and Piet

Another exciting thing is that this is the first time that Piet and I have been living in the same area. We are able to spend lots of time together inside and outside of work and because I live in the next house down, his family has already taken me in as their own.

Often people will come to me and say, "Wow, you REALLY love Africa." Yes, it's true; I do. There is just something about it, from the smell of burning rubbish to the myriad of skin tones to the generous hospitality to the sounds of children that I just can't get out of my mind. It has come to define me. And yes, I REALLY DO LOVE Africa.

This is Africa. This is my home. This is my true love.