The month before.....

I have to say that Jessica and I inspire to write as magnificently as many of our other travel friends, and I think she did a pretty good job. I’m always writing second, which means most of what I wanted to say has been said for me. Therefore, I will write my personal thoughts with a spin of Liannism and sense of humor.

Africa….I have been dreaming of you for years. A true story: when I was coming home from Ghana I had a lay over in Frankfurt airport. I was alone, depressed to be leaving, and feeling like an outsider with my waist-long twisted hair. Over the PA system I heard the familiar announcer calling yet another destination, but this time it was “last boarding call for Accra report to gate 21.” I got off the bench I was trying to sleep on and literally ran to gate 21. What I would accomplish when I got there was uncertain; I only knew that I needed to get to that gate to help the feeling of despair in my gut. When I arrived I saw two African businessmen chatting. I don’t know what it was about them or me, but when they saw me they gave me that warm Ghanaian smile and hug. Was this weird to be embracing complete strangers in an airport? In Western Societies possibly, but it felt natural and welcoming. We introduced ourselves and I found that they were heading back to Accra from business abroad. Of course they gave me their contact information for “when I returned to Ghana (as there was no possibility to them that I would not return, and I have to admit I feel that I will return).”

That simple embrace in the airport made up my mind. I was returning to Africa no matter what it would take. I longed to walk down the street and greet every person that walked by. Africa had become my second home, if not the homiest of homes.

When we returned, we immediately looked into any possibilities that would allow us to nurse abroad. Many of the avenues we tried wanted two years of nursing experience. We did not have that qualification, so we looked harder and talked to every connection we had. What came from the networking? A beautiful trip to Zambia.

Zambia, what do I have to say about our upcoming trip to Zambia. I feel: scared, sad, happy, excited, worried, amazed, relieved, contentment, jubilance, radiant, bewildered, overwhelmed….and the list can go on and on. In all the literature that I read I keep coming across, “Zambia, the real Africa.” What does this mean? Was I not in Africa prior to being in Zambia? I will have to elaborate on this thought from the ground level when I arrive.

Overall, I look forward to this trip immensely. I must keep reminding myself of the good that can be accomplished and the reciprocity of learning that will take place. In my experience the month leading to a big trip can be chaotic. Let me tell you, the month leading to a trip where you move to one of the poorest countries in the world is agonizing, but the light is at the end of the tunnel.

I look forward to all of your support and thoughts throughout our adventures. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart.