It's all getting real

There are many things to consider when you are traveling outside of the United States.  I have done so little of it I am learning new things everyday.

My privilege as an American is surely to become clear as I cross oceans and borders and visit the continent of Africa.  I am trying not to worry too much about whether or not my technology will work (thank goodness I am not beholdant to a curling iron or a blow dryer :-) and focusing more on how I can keep my body safe and comfortable, how I can stay emotionally open to all the new experiences, sights, sounds, tastes, voices, weather, etc.

I started taking my typhoid pills today and realized that I started a few days late.  Not bueno.  Score one for someone other than this novice traveler and cross fingers that the pills that require one to take them one week before potential exposure will manage with 4.5 days before potential exposure.

I am also hoping to pick up my malaria pills soon or I suppose they are anti-malaria pills...hmmmm.... I hope those aren't needed to be taken starting last week too.

There are 9 of us traveling.  Two of us will have to learn to drive on the "wrong" side of the street.  Oh boy.  I did that on a motorbike in Thailand and I had to say out loud each time I entered the highway, "stay on the left Jamie."  I'm sure my traveling companions will pay great attention and advise me if I stray.

I can hardly believe that 9 days from now I will be on a plane heading to a place where I have never been, about to see a country of people who have only recently overthrown Apartheid...a country suffering from HIV and AIDS and lack of support.  A country with a growing population of foster youth and orphans.  I know that when I meet people I will be able to open my heart and truly care about them.  Ellen Lerner taught me that with her self published book called "Big Love."  And the many YTP youth have taught me that each time we read the book together and ponder what it means to open your heart as wide as can be and allow love to flow in and out.

I know that the first time I see an elephant or giraffe in the wild I will want to reach and hold the hand of my most dear and I will miss them not being with me.

I asked Crystal to tell me to look up at the sky a lot when I am in Africa.  I will be looking up at the same sky as those in Oakland, or Thailand or everywhere...  I am already in awe of the experience and it hasn't even happened yet.