Everybody smiles in the same language. For that, I am thankful.

Sometimes, when I look at myself in photos, my smile seems faked and forced. It seems to forget that I have countless things to find joy in. Not so, with my friends in Africa. I look at these photos and am reminded of true joy in the midst of the realities of a broken world. I look at the smiles of my friends and am amazed by how they light up the lens and make all the other stresses of life seem out of focus. A true smile can do that. The world becomes a bit brighter and full of hope. And friends, hope is a very good thing. Hope is a necessary thing.

Cheers to your Monday!