We're in Africa...YEAH!

Hey all. This trip has been such a lifechanging experience. Each day I learn something new about myself and those around me. There have been many new experiences...first time on a plane, new food, being out of the country, and many others. The kids here are absolutely adorable! I have 2 girls that just love to hold my hands and sit on my lap. I'm going to be soo sad when I have to leave. They have already taken a special place in my heart. The building of the church has gone amazingly fast. Everyone pitches in and works hard. Aside from REALLY sore shoulders and arms it makes you feel great knowing you helped put together something for someone else. The kids love to touch your skin and hair. I sat down in the grass and I was bombarded by little kids who wanted to touch my blonde hair. It was very cute! After a while I took out my hairthings and the girls started braiding my hair. I now have a full head of little braids. :) It took about 4 hours to complete with many adjustments as different ages of girls worked on it. They had a blast!
That is a brief summary so far, but now for the main story... :) Today I was outside ALL day in the sun just playing with the kids. It was so much fun! But later in the afternoon my feet started to tingle and go numb. Me, not really paying attention put it off to the side. 1/2 hour later I fainted. It was horrible! Most everyone thought I was just messin around until they realized I wasn't all there and was falling to the ground. I couldn't see, hear or feel anything. It was decided that I had heat exhaustion and dehydration. It took about an hour and 15 minutes to recover. Thankfully I'm alive and well, aside from being really tired. I have drank sooo much water now because I have a team of parents(the teens included) who are constantly reminding me to drink water :P Well, thats about it for now. Hope you enjoy reading about our amazing trip!

~Amanda Swalve~