I'm coming home.

Well here I am. Sitting in the Johannasburg airport waiting for my next flight. So many emotions and so many thoughts running through my head right now. Only a couple hours ago I said goodbye to my Lesotho family. And tomorrow I will get to see my family and friends after 8 months of being away. Flying out of Lesotho I kept thinking to myself, "I just don't know how this could be goodbye." A "see ya later" I can deal with. Its the goodbyes that stink. Its the "I don't know when I am coming back" that kills me. So for this final Lesotho blog post I am going to write a few letters to help me say goodbye.

Dear Lesotho, You are the most beautiful country I have ever seen. I love how so much of your land is untouched and untouristed (is that a word? ehhh we will go with it). Though you are small your culture is so rich. Your people are hospitable and always so joyful. Though your random speed bumps can be rather annoying and most of your people are crazy drivers, you always have an adventure in store. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I can't wait for the next time I get to walk on your soil. Kealeboha!  -Ausi Paige

Dear Beautiful Gate children, Seeing your reaction when you were told I was leaving today ripped me heart to shreds. Its  a good thing my dad was here to drag me out because I would've done anything to spend just a few more days playing, singing, and laughing with you. Thank you for keeping me young and teaching me to find joy in the tiny things. I will miss being called "Ausi Paige." I will miss walking into my house every morning and being smothered my your hugs. I will miss walking some of you to school and trying my best to stop you from eating the cat food. I will miss your beautiful faces. Keep singing and praising our Lord!   -Ausi Paige

Dear Geurink family, The things I see you doing for Beautiful Gate blow me away. You are so passionate about the work you are doing that which is contagious to us, volunteers. Thank you for making me your adoptive daughter/sister. I will miss Chuck nights, Carmel popcorn, Euchre, Redneck life, driving on closed roads (maybe), going to church with you, ball tag, and Anita's cole slaw.....but mostly just Anita's Cole slaw. :) haha. I pray that the Lord continues to work through you and gives you the patience and strength you need to finish your work there. I look forward to seeing you this summer!   -Ausi Paige

Dear current and former housemates, Thanks for putting up with this emotional 18 year old. I enjoyed your company and your encouragement. Even though at times we struggled with the shower or struggled to fit all of our food in fridge, we always seemed to make a good time out of it. I pray that wherever you are or end up the Lord blesses you and you would never forget Lesostho.   -Ausi Paige

Dear Beautiful Gate staff, You amaze me. Everyday I couldn't help but smile when I heard you singing around the houses and interacting with the kids. The Lord has blessed BG with so many people who are very passionate about their work. You have taught me many things, like how to take care of 60 kids, how to rejoice in every situation, and you even taught me some Basotho songs and dances. You became my family or the 8 months. It was so hard to say goodbye to you, but I know I will be back. Keep up the amazing work and you will forever be in my prayers. God bless you!   -Ausi Paige

Dear cats of Beautiful Gate, I never actually learned how to tell you all apart. I am home with my dog now and I think I almost prefer her over you 4. No offense. It would be great if you could stop climbing through windows and eating people's freshly made food because that is just rude. Take care of Faith and Mercy for me :)  -Ausi Paige

Dear Appletiser, WHY AREN'T YOU IN AMERICA? I AM GOING THROUGH WITHDRAW!   -Ausi Paige

Dear Terp, Keep it trill. You can do it. Its not impossible, you just need to stay focused.   -Ausi Paige

Dear Readers, Thank you for taking this journey with me. Your kind words and e-mails encouraged me so much. If I ever go back to BG I will keep posting on this same blog. I am also going to try to post once in a while even after I am back just to keep everyone updated of what the Lord is doing in my life and such. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!    -Ausi Paige

Dear God, Let YOUR name be praised! In my going and now my coming home. Let people see YOUR power and YOUR love as I share stories and experiences. You deserve every ounce of the glory and I ask you would help me stay humble and give all the glory to you. God, I get weak when think about all the amazing people you let me meet and all the amazing experiences you let me have. I am so unworthy. But I am thankful. Use me here, Lord. Give me the words to speak that would put a smile on your face. Your daughter loves you and trusts you. Thank you, Jesus.   -Ausi Paige