Some people are so poor all they have is money. Some people are so rich, they have nothing but the love in their hearts.

I am a teacher.
I teach kids school things, like Math, English, Science, and boring stuff like that.
But what my kids teach me is so much more.
What Africa teaches me is so much more.
I've been here almost four and a half months and I have learned so many lessons.

I have learned to be patient. Why rush? Sometimes, you can make the best memories when you are just waiting around.

Time moves by so quickly. Why try to force it to go any faster? Cherish every moment. Do you know how much you are missing when you are by-passing right now in hopes to get to later more quickly? Now is the most important time. It's the only time that actually exists.

I have learned not to stress about money or not having enough. Things will work out, they always do. Trust that.

I have learned that it's alright to feel. The only way to truly experience life is to feel. Allow yourself to feel everything. Happiness, excitement, compassion, deep sorrow, inexplicable joy. Even sadness is a beautiful feeling that can bring about great change.

I have learned that there is no horrible day that cannot be made better by laughing with a child. Children know a lot more than we tend to give them credit for. Those people know how to laugh, how to experience joy. Take a page outta their book.

I have learned that sometimes it is important to stay dry, and sometimes it is important to dance in the rain. Learn the difference, but when it's time to dance, just go for it!

I have learned that it is not only okay to lean on other people sometimes, but necessary. You cannot carry the whole world on your shoulders. You will drop it, but with a friend, burdens are lighter, hardships are easier, complications are simpler.

I have learned that I cannot save the world. I can't do it. It's never gonna happen. But I can teach what I know to the kids around me. I can do what I'm able to for every person placed in my path. I can do a little for a few people, and that will make all the difference.

I have learned that adversity doesn't last. The day always ends. Tomorrow always comes. Push through, I promise you will make it.

I have learned that mud won't hurt you. But rocks, motorcycles, buses, African roads, and walls will. Play in the mud, but always watch your step.

I have learned that although our bodies stop growing, our hearts and minds do not have a limit to the stretching they will do. Every time I think my heart is being stretched so tightly that it will burst, it just grows a little more, expands. The more people you fall in love with, the more your heart will make room.

I have learned that the hardest part of having nothing is having nothing to share. I have learned that poverty has a lot less to do with money and possessions than you'd think. Some people are so poor all they have is money. Some people are so rich, they have nothing but the love in their hearts.

I have learned that this is home. That these kids are my babies. That I love them. I knew I would love my students and I knew I would love Africa, but I didn't think I would fall so hard in love with these kids. That it would hurt my chest to think about leaving them, that it would give me butterflies and an unavoidable smile every time I walk into school and they all come running. This is true love, and I'm so glad I found it.

I have learned that bravery has nothing to do with a lack of fear. I am scared on a daily basis. I was scared to come here, now I'm scared to leave, I am scared when I think of what the future may hold for my kids. But you don't have to be unafraid to be brave. Being brave means being afraid and going for it.
What are you scared of?
Go for it.
I have learned that I am
Braver than I believe.