I love the three day work week. Especially when it ends with the gorgefest that we call Thanksgiving. This is also my last "week" at my current job. But don't worry 'bout me - I start a new one on Monday. So technically I'll be unemployed over the long holiday weekend.

I'm thinking about hiring someone to do my Christmas shopping for me. It's too hard to do by myself. Are you interested? You can buy yourself a gift too.

speaking of gifts... I bought myself one last week. I had had a long day at work, so I splurged that night on a pair of expensive sneakers. I had shopper's hangover the next morning, but I discovered that I couldn't return them. (it should be illegal to not take returns. Who wants store credit?) so then I just felt guilty and not too happy with my decision. But then, I received a late birthday card that had in it the exact cost of the shoes. Result: no more guilt! (well, almost.)

I'm back from Africa! And I must admit, I kinda forgot about this blog. It wasn't until I was posting pictures from the trip that I remembered that I haven't posted since I've been back.

The trip was great. The people in Zambia are extremely friendly and gracious and generally happy no matter their personal circumstances. They loved to hear us sing almost as much as we loved to hear them sing. They even taught us a few songs in Membe while we were ministering.

Most of the short time we were there was spent at the hotel. We were to rest and adjust to local time so we had enough energy for the crusade meetings at night. After a leisurely breakfast by the pool, we met in groups to pray and learn what was happening that day. After lunch and some more free time, we would head over to the stadium. Since promptness is not a local custom, the singing part of the program was stretched out, so we really needed our energy. By the time the preaching would start we had a big crown every night.

Monday, after the outreaches and meetings were over, we had a free day. We stopped at a few markets for souvenirs, and then headed out of town to a safari park. We had to travel an extemely bumpy dirt road for close to an hour to get there. But it was worth it. We had a feast, and then saw all kinds of animals from horseback or jeeps or while walking. It was a great afternoon, and a great way to end the trip.

After a few more days of travel, I made it back to NYC. We flew from Lusaka, Zambia to Malawi, and then on to Nairobi, Kenya where we had a seven hour layover. From there we went to London where we first heard how the US election was progressing, and then on to New York. I'm about over my jet lag now, and ready for something new....