I’m going to South Africa and
Botswana! I hope my excitement about this trip is bursting through your
computer screen!
It’s crazy… in 96 days (as of Tuesday, February 6, 2012), I will be departing the United States en route to the Motherland. Before I started college, I had never even been outside of the Midwest, so to venture to another country truly demonstrates the growth I’ve experienced in the last six years.
I imagine that this trip will be something like life changing, humbling, exciting, intimidating, and a host of other adjectives. The purpose of the trip is to visit post apartheid South Africa and the democratic country of Botswana, then to do some comparison of these two places. Unfortunately, our initial images of our African people are those of barely clothed people in jungle like environments. I know that many African countries are not like this and I’m excited to experience such environments with my own eyes. (Don't worry, there will be LOTS of pictures). On the contrast, people probably believe that Americans live like the Kardashians, but we know that millions of people are currently debating on whether to pay a bill or feed their children. (Sounds like another topic to tackle and blog about another day).
Anyway, preparation for this trip has been fairly simple. Applying for the program through NAU’s Center for International Education was the first step. After Dr. Michelle Harris came to visit one of our Black Student Union meetings, I was 95% convinced that I would go on the trip. (I was still debating about the Student Affairs trip to Asia as well). After being accepted to the program, I had to start the process of getting the necessary shots. Thank God for insurance that will cover all of my necessary shots! I have to take some malaria pills, the only out of pocket immunization cost.
I keep thinking back and wishing that I had taken advantage of study abroad opportunities while I was in undergrad. Then, I start to think about the importance of timing and undoubtedly, God’s timing is perfect. I wasn’t ready for such excursions and now, I’m at a point where I can start small (a two week trip) and work my way up. Also, the fact that this trip leaves the day after graduation is nothing short of divine and I’ll be back in time to fulfill my work duties (with three days to spare). I’m fortunate in the sense that the credits I’m earning on this trip will also count toward my master’s degree. I’ll count this as a definite win!
It’s crazy… in 96 days (as of Tuesday, February 6, 2012), I will be departing the United States en route to the Motherland. Before I started college, I had never even been outside of the Midwest, so to venture to another country truly demonstrates the growth I’ve experienced in the last six years.
I imagine that this trip will be something like life changing, humbling, exciting, intimidating, and a host of other adjectives. The purpose of the trip is to visit post apartheid South Africa and the democratic country of Botswana, then to do some comparison of these two places. Unfortunately, our initial images of our African people are those of barely clothed people in jungle like environments. I know that many African countries are not like this and I’m excited to experience such environments with my own eyes. (Don't worry, there will be LOTS of pictures). On the contrast, people probably believe that Americans live like the Kardashians, but we know that millions of people are currently debating on whether to pay a bill or feed their children. (Sounds like another topic to tackle and blog about another day).
Anyway, preparation for this trip has been fairly simple. Applying for the program through NAU’s Center for International Education was the first step. After Dr. Michelle Harris came to visit one of our Black Student Union meetings, I was 95% convinced that I would go on the trip. (I was still debating about the Student Affairs trip to Asia as well). After being accepted to the program, I had to start the process of getting the necessary shots. Thank God for insurance that will cover all of my necessary shots! I have to take some malaria pills, the only out of pocket immunization cost.
I keep thinking back and wishing that I had taken advantage of study abroad opportunities while I was in undergrad. Then, I start to think about the importance of timing and undoubtedly, God’s timing is perfect. I wasn’t ready for such excursions and now, I’m at a point where I can start small (a two week trip) and work my way up. Also, the fact that this trip leaves the day after graduation is nothing short of divine and I’ll be back in time to fulfill my work duties (with three days to spare). I’m fortunate in the sense that the credits I’m earning on this trip will also count toward my master’s degree. I’ll count this as a definite win!
My mom works a LOT in different African countries (Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.) and she said it's nothing like she expected. Granted she is working in laboratories but she gets into the community and loves every minute of it. She said it was best when she let adventure just happen to her. So don't make too many plans - just let it happen to you :D
ReplyDeleteP.s. take the daily malaria pills, DON'T take the weekly ones. Side effects = crazy. Not kidding, they will make you lose your mind.
Bon Voyage!!
-Mari
It's really cool that you've decided to take this trip. The best adventures are the ones that are well thought out, but yet are sponteinous because of the overall nature. Have fun! And take those Malaria pills. But mostly, just go with it!
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