I had a weekend class this week. In other words, I sat in a terribly uncomfortable chair for 3 hours Friday night and then for about 7 hours on Saturday. I even got called out by the prof thinking I wasn't paying attention because I was slouched down in my seat...attentively writing every word nonetheless...but I guess he thought I was bored, when really, I was just uncomfortable. At lunch he apologized for embarrassing me and told me I was free to get up and move around the room as I wanted. I like the profs here. Not only do they know your name, but they really care. Anyhow, later, in Saturday's class, I got to a point where I could not focus anymore and started looking through the pics on my computer when I ran across this one. I've really been trying to focus on the positives in my life and looking for little reasons to smile. This pic is one of those that makes me smile. I can't take the credit for it, I didn't take this one...but it is from a place in Iowa that is old and quiet and peaceful...and I love that it is an orange sunflower. Different from the rest of them. This pic was taken on a good day long ago, but I mostly just remember that it is from a place that I know and that is familiar. Something I am longing for right now. Sometimes I wonder where I am going to end up. Iowa? West Africa? North Africa? Or the East Africa that stole my heart long ago? Some days I wonder if I will ever feel "at home" anywhere again. Or will I ever be a ceaseless wanderer on this earth? Heaven is going to be great.

I guess I can sit and ask myself these questions over and over...or I can just enjoy where I am now. Why is that so hard to do sometimes?

"God gives all men all earth to love,
but since man's heart is so small,
ordains for each one spot shall prove beloved over all."
-Rudyard Kipling