Last night I got to visit Bangladesh--I closed my eyes--and instantly I was there.

The black cloud of sleep rushed me back, while my body lay nestled in my bed.

I got to stay only a few hours--but they were blissful hours.

I arrived and all the children just looked. Finally out of the corner of my eye I spotted Ruthy. Ruthy ran in full sprint--as fast as her little, knobby legs could carry her. She was heavier then I remembered. I felt her new weight settle in my arms--and her clammy little hands grab me tight--as if to say, "I am never letting go."

I saw Marissa, Amy, Mark, Hanna and so many others. They slowly found their way over to me--each quizzing me--making sure I knew their name. They had changed--they were bigger and older.

I woke-up this morning, to big snow flakes dancing outside my window, and my heart longing to wake-up to something different. To wake-up to green rice fields and no obligations. Waking-up to uninhibited smiles and warmth.

Every morning no matter where I am--I want to wake-up not wishing for something different, but valuing what I have. I want to wake up to uninhibited smiles, sincere joy, and uncontested happiness.

I wonder what needs to be tweaked in my life so that this can be a reality--not simply something found in a dream.