I have delayed this blog post a couple of days because, well, I didn't have a lot to say.
I started off the week by getting malaria. I KNOW. Malaria sounds crazy, but it really wasn't that big of a deal. Callie spotted the symptoms pretty quickly, and I had malaria meds in me within an hour. You have to take malaria meds with some sort of milk product to go a little easier on your stomach, so I got to drink chocolate milk for several days. I spent my time sleeping (I set a new personal record: I slept 36 out of 48 hours), reading, and watching television shows. In case you were wondering, the season finale of Breaking Bad was spectacular. I'm so grateful for Callie for taking such good care of me, and for everyone back home for praying for me. Thanks, y'all!
I was feeling better on Friday, so on Saturday I went with a group of mzungu friends on a trip to Sissyi Falls, a beautiful camp ground on the side of the mountain. It was great for everyone who had been working hard all week to have a nice break, and it was great for me to leave my bed for the first time in five days. We trekked up some nice boulders to get to the base of the water fall. The climb was a little nerve wracking and the water was freezing, but it was entirely wonderful. While admiring the waterfall, we spotted several monkeys swinging along the side of the mountain. We spent the evening talking and laughing around the campfire. One guy played some worship music for us, and we all shared a fear and a hope for this year and prayed over them. The sky was clear and the stars were amazing. After more singing and laughing, we each went to our tents. Ever used a waterfall sound machine to help you fall asleep? The real thing is pretty amazing. What a gorgeous place- and only an hour from where I live!
A shout out to my awesome big brother, Taylor: he turned 21 this week! I'm sad I couldn't be with him on his birthday, but I got to visit with him for a few minutes over the phone and wish him a happy birthday. Each of my five siblings has been very instrumental in my walk with Jesus. Taylor, the only one older than me, has taught me a lot about how Jesus feels about us as people. Taylor loves people. He loves babies and elderly, introverts and extroverts, the "cool" and the "weird". He just loves people. I swear, the boy could make conversation with a young mother just as easily as with a a retired Navy Seal. He values people, and his heart toward people is never so clear as when he gets a chance to be a protective big brother. Taylor is protective because he was born with an instinct to take care, to make sure everyone is okay. But more than that, Taylor is protective because he sees people as something worth protecting. He sees me as something worth protecting. I love this brother of mine more and more every single day. I know he loves all five of his youngers equally, but I am the one who has been with him the longest. No one in the world has been loved and protected by Taylor Robertson more than me. How lucky am I? I can't wait to see where Taylor ends up heading in life, and who will get to experience his loud love along the way.
Until next time!
Em
What beautiful place. I love the breath taking views you captured of our Creators tapestry. And thanks for sharing even more of how awesome your brother is. I think he's very fortunate to have you as a sister.
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