Home Leave - Amazing Days in the U.S.

I have had a great time in the United States for the past month and feel fortunate to have seen so many friends and family members. Thank you to everyone who has made my visit to the US so amazing!

Christmas was spent at my parents' home in West Bend. My sister Beth and her boyfriend Mark came up from Tampa so I was happy to be able to celebrate with them. My grandma was also able to come over for the day.

A few days later I flew to Washington DC where I visited several friends. First I spent time with my friend Anna who lives in Arlington. She had visited me in Burkina Faso in 2009 so it had only been a year since we saw each other but still had a ton to catch up on!

I then spent a few days with Dylan and his family in D.C. We rang in the New Year with a few of Dylan's friends and enjoyed a very low-key New Years Day spent mostly on the couch playing Settlers of Catan and watching the Badgers lose in the Rose Bowl.

I enjoyed a long lunch with Karla, my closest friend in Burkina Faso during my first year there before she returned home due to illness. She is doing great now and it was fun to see her and catch up!

After D.C., I flew on to Charlotte, NC to visit my friend Maren, her husband Mike, and their 7 month old son Joseph. I was so excited to meet him and be around babies again after a month away from village and was missing being constantly surrounded by kids! Joseph is an adorable baby and we had lots of fun playing. It also was great to catch up with Maren and Mike after almost three years since they had visited me in New Orleans.

My cousins Jim and Kim stopped by the house as soon as I arrived home. I was so excited to see them and congratulate Kim on the completion of her PhD!

My family hosted an open house for family, friends, and neighbors. I was able to catch up with so many important people in my life that I have known for years. It was especially great to see several of my Krudwig cousins including Mary B, Suzy & Tom, and Chuck and my old 4-H leaders Carol, Judy, and Lillian.

My dad and I took a trip to Madison one day so I could see the many changes on campus and catch up with my friends. I had a great lunch with Kay, Peter, Mary, and Allison from the 4-H office. Later on I visited with my friend Lou.

Last weekend I took the train to Chicago to hang out with Allison, my friend from Tulane. We had a fun time going to see Alan Toussaint, a New Orleans jazz pianist and enjoyed sangria at a great tapas restaurant. I also was able to catch up with a UW friend Rithvik over brunch.

I enjoyed seeing Tricia and Elise, some of my childhood friends, and it was great to hear about the exciting changes in their lives since I've left. Its hard to believe Elise is now married and Tricia is engaged and planning a June wedding!

I gave presentations on Burkina to 3rd and 6th graders at my mom's school as well. Now I'm busy shopping and packing for the next adventure!