Shortly after we returned to Myrtle Beach from Madagascar, I jumped right back into my teaching at Coastal Carolina University. Since returning, I have been thinking about my Fulbright experience a great deal. One thing that stands out is that there are so many people who made it possible and to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. I owe my wife, Emily, special thanks for the countless sacrifices she made to make it all possible. There is nothing I have done or nothing that I could do in my life to be worthy of such support. I have been incredibly blessed to have it and been incredible blessed to have her in my life for nearly 20 years. My children left the life they were familiar with in Myrtle Beach to live in Madagascar for 9 months. That takes courage. My co-workers at the University of Antananarivo, especially Zoly Rakotoniera, helped me in so many ways. Their kindness, patience, and wisdom was a true gift. Many US Embassy staff helped me, both Americans and Malagasy, and I am grateful to them, especially Denise Jobin Welch. My colleagues at Coastal Carolina helped me get everything set up so that I could be on academic leave for 9 months. All of my friends in Madagascar, including great friends who work for the Peace Corps, helped in so many ways. Many of the Malagasy friends who I met in Nashville after the Peace Corps have since moved back to Madagascar after finishing their studies at Lipscomb University. It was great to see my old friends, and they each helped me in my journey. My Malagasy friends continue to amaze me with their intelligence and kindness and with their devotion to Madagascar and its future. My students kept me energized and taught me a great deal. I am thankful for meeting them and for our relationship.
Before doing the Fulbright it all seemed like an impossible dream. Now looking back it seems the same. I couldn't have done it without my family, my friends, my students, and my Malagasy and American colleagues. Tena isaorana be dia be ianareo rehetra. I express some of my thanks in Malagasy in a video below. There is also another video where I talk about my experience in English.