Africa Together: Intern Post by Alicia Richardson

I’ve had the unique opportunity to share this African experience with my daughter. I told her before we left this would change her life in many ways she couldn’t possibly imagine. All that has come true and more!We’ve worked side by side, stretching, growing, discovering our weaknesses, and pushing through personal barriers. We’ve laughed ourselves silly at our clothing (caked with mud and grime), personal hygiene, and valiant attempts at Swahili. We’ve grown not only in understanding and compassion for lives consigned to poverty but also a deeper sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the lives we have at home.There is now a bond between us that is special and unique. At home when we try to explain this to others they will be polite and listen, but it will be void of the smells, the smiles, the tugging of heart strings, and the inner beauty of Africa.