Dear America...

Dear America,

It's been a while, and I've missed you like crazy. This chapter of my life has been beyond my imagination. You may already be aware that May 4th was Star Wars day--May the "4th" be with you. But May 4th also marked one year since my college graduation, and now more than a year since I've sat in a desk and been graded for my work. Here in Benin, I haven't taken many formal exams (not devastated about that), but the testing definitely didn't stop. As a result, I've learned some pretty amazing things here that might not have come to me so easily on your side of the pond, and I'm not the same person that disappeared into a security checkpoint at MSP last September. I know you've changed too, America, and I can't wait to do some catching up in just a few short days!

To be honest, this whole transition will probably feel pretty weird for me. There are certain things I'm doing before I leave Benin to avoid "crash landing" when I get home, like taking time to process this experience, and say the appropriate goodbyes before I leave Benin for a whole five weeks.

But listen, America, there are also a few things you can do to help "cushion my landing", if you are willing to lend a hand!

• Pray for me. Pray for peace during this transition. Pray that I would find ways to re-incorporate myself into familiar niches in the different realms of my life, and find new ones to fit into where appropriate. Pray that I would find appropriate outlets to share experiences. Pray against discouragement and negative emotions of reverse culture shock. Pray for refreshment and rest as I prepare to return to Benin this summer for one last month-and-a-half with the Discover group.
• Invite me. Seriously, I would love to go for a walk with you, get lunch or coffee together, do somersaults in a field of grass, come over for a visit--the possibilities are endless. There may be days when I don't feel up to going out, and please don't take that personally. I can't predict how I'll be feeling from one day to the next, but I can promise that your invitation will very helpful and encouraging for me, and it will make a difference. :)
• Give me grace if I try to shake your hand to say hello, if I neurotically hoard my one-dollar bills, or if I rave way too much about the water pressure in the faucets. I'll be working on that... In the meantime we can just turn those into interesting conversation starters, right? Speaking of which...
• Feel free to ask me about my trip. Saying "How was Benin?" is a wonderful way to do this! But also don't be shy about asking more specific questions. That will be really helpful for me, too. Otherwise I might not know where to start!
• Don't let me do all the talking. Tell me what's new with you! Tell me about the exciting changes and interesting experiences that have taken place in your life in the past 8-and-a-half months. I'll be excited to catch up on what's gone on while I've been away, because odds are I'll feel a bit behind.

If I forgot something... let's just figure it out when we get there. For now, I'll leave you with this very fitting verse:

I have much more to say to you, but I don't want to write it with pen and ink. For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.
3 John v. 13-14, NLT

While I have you here, I have a side announcement: I'll be looking for hand-me-down children's clothes to take back to Benin in June. Anything that could fit a child age 4 and under (including infants) will work. (Except winter jackets. Benin doesn't need those.)

If you have some clothes to donate, send me an email--kapitchford@gmail.com--or just flag me down at church!

(December, @ El Dorado Beach)

Post-Retreat Pre-Departure Update

Press play and read on. You know the drill!

Last week, I took a retreat to a town in southwestern Benin called Grand Popo. Since I'll be flying home in about a week, it was such a blessing to have a peaceful place outside of my normal routine to debrief and reflect on my time in Benin so far.

And what an amazing week it was! The hotel where I stayed was right by the beach, with plenty of spaces to unwind and think. I took the photo at the top of this post during my quiet time one morning when I was surprised by a stunning sunrise.

Reading through my journals from the past year (starting before I left for Benin) proved (for the bajillionth time since I got here) that hindsight is 20/20, as I was able to recognize now more than ever how God was working in the positive, uplifting moments, but also in the difficult times, to weave a beautiful tapestry, a picture of his goodness in my life and lives of those around me. Right now I don't know how I'm going to summarize all that he's done without going on for days, but there were moments when I would just sit back in my chair, blown away by everything that he has shown and taught me, in awe that I'm still only seeing a miniscule portion of the big picture! I reflected on the experiences he has led (and sometimes carried) me through and could see more of how God has been working in me and showing me what it means "to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).

The week was over before I knew it, and I came back to Cotonou on Friday feeling refreshed and looking forward to spending one last week in the office, finishing up some translations, renewing my visa to last me through the Discover trip this summer, and saying goodbye to my coworkers. It's hard to believe it's already been eight months since I first got to Benin and first became acquainted with the people and places that now seems to familiar!

Unfortunately, my Facebook account was disabled this week (the reasons aren't totally clear). Anyway, I haven't been able to get it back, and I don't know what my cellphone number will be when I get back to the states, so email (kapitchford@gmail.com) and Skype (kate_pitchford) are the best ways to get in contact with me if you should so desire. :)

Thank you to everyone who has prayed and sent words of encouragement! You guys all win the "most amazing humans" award. I'm planning to post one more update before I depart.