Joy!

I don't know if I can accurately express my feelings tonight. I keep thinking about how depressed I was after the last two presidential elections. Then I think about how overjoyed I feel tonight and how I've wept off and on all night after learning that Barack Obama will be our next president. I am overjoyed for myself and for my country. I am overjoyed for my children and other people of color who will see this world differently after today. I am truly excited to see the positive changes that are on the horizon for our country. I feel so blessed!

This election was one of many firsts for me. My first time to contribute financially to a political campaign. My first time putting a political bumper sticker on my car. My first time putting a political sign in my yard. My first time volunteering for a campaign and knocking on doors in support of a candidate. I've never felt a part of an election before, but I am extraordinarily proud to have been a part of this one. I received an e-mail from the Obama campaign tonight that said "We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next." I can't wait to be a part of changing this country. I want a country that values service over shopping. I want a country that values community over every man for himself. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow!

Here are some pictures I took of the kids today. They were not in the mood to cooperate, but I wanted to take a picture of them on this historic day!