Please know there is no real order in the things I learned while in Africa.  I just began writing some down while flying. 

2. I love living in America.
A lot of discussions are taking place right now about our country.  The economy, the President, etc. etc. etc.
After spending 8 days in Africa, I'm proud to be an American.  I will look at America differently.  I will look at the liberties we have differently, for example.  Women in Africa have no rights.  If a man wants to have sex with a woman and she declines.  He will follow her and rape her.  No big deal.  No charges, no consequences.  That just ain't right.

Here are just a few things we all take for granted on a daily basis:
1. Running water.  I was amazed at how women could carry a baby on their back, a 5 gallon bucket of water on their head (which by the way, weighs 40 pounds) and sticks for the fire in their arms.  This was just part of their life.
2. Electricity - the majority of Africans do not have electricity.
3. Paved roads - I've never been so glad to see pavement.  We landed on dirt run ways twice in two different air ports in Africa.  The trip from the hotel to the village was always an adventure. 
3. Toilets - wish I had a picture (will have on Monday).  The majority of Africans that live in the bush stand and squat. 
4. Police man - we need order to service.
5. Air conditioning - I enjoy sitting at my desk and being cool right now.
6. Food - the majority of Africans just try to survive day by day.  They are recession proof because they have nothing. 
As we were getting ready to leave the lepers colony I saw men and women crawling over to the area we'd been giving out the corn.  They were picking up the spilled kernels.  This would give them something else to eat another day.  As Americans, we don't think that way.  Africans can't imagine one trip to the buffet bar at Golden Coral.
7. Vehicles - you are considered wealthy if you have a bike in Africa, much less a vehicle.  They walk everywhere.  Some of the people walk miles to come to church.  Here, some people complain if we ask them to park across the street allowing visitors a parking spot.  In fact, some refuse to walk and park here anyway.
8. Health care - America may not have a perfect plan, but there is medical care for everyone here.  Not so in Africa, you get sick, you lay on a dirt floor.

The list could go on but I think you get the picture.  America is by no means perfect, but she is a great place to live.