Africa: Preparing to Depart (Blog 2)

Africa: Preparing to Depart

(Blog 2)

            I would love to tell you that right now, I am completely confident and excited to leave Ohio and begin my African adventure in Moshi, Tanzania. 

However, it would be much more accurate to say that I am, gently put, scared sh*tless.

It’s like that starting a new job feeling, making a presentation in front of a large group, or going on a first date….times 10.

I’ve been having some stomach issues that past few weeks (that did not stop from eating loads of fatty but wonderful holiday food) and yesterday it occurred to me that it is probably from the fact I’ve been so dang nervous about the trip.  After all, I am flying half-way around the world to go into a country I know very little about, with a language I don’t speak, and a culture I am unaccustomed to.  In addition, I’ve never navigated an airport by myself nor am I going with anyone I know.  On top of that, I’ll be working at a pre-school and I am no pre-school teacher…will I be able to make a difference to them?  And last, but not least, there are bugs (and contaminated food).  Now I don’t mind swatting the occasional fly away, but I could get a tick, a tick that makes a home in my skin and could make me really sick and half to be dug out by a doctor….YUCK!

Anyway, I do realize I am being a bit irrational here and that part of my anxiety is to be blamed on myself.  Lately, I’ve been reading “Unlimted: How to Build and Exceptional Life” by Jillian Michaels (I’m a bit of a fan…many of her workout DVDs are in my workout room/basement), which has helped re-bring to my attention some errors in my thinking.  So, how can I blame some of my anxiety on myself?  Well, simply because I believe in taking accountability for my actions, or in this case, lack there-of.  For example, I really should have spent more time studying Swahilli and memorizing cultural practices.

The good thing is that it is not too late to be proactive now and work on how I think about things.  For one, I’m writing this blog, which is helping me process and rationalize some of my thoughts.  I still have enough time (especially on my 1+ day plane trip) to study key Swahilli phrases and basic cultural practices.  I have 2 ½ half days to pack and make sure I have everything I need.  I have gotten all my immunizations (it was hard to lift my arm for 2 days) and have my malaria prescription ready to start taking on Thursday.  I’ll get to the airport early, can ask anyone if I need help, and have the numbers I need in my phone if I have problems with my flight. 

And, if I look at the worst possible situations (that are realistic, so Im not going to mention my  plane crashing or getting eaten by a hippo…plus if it is my time to die, it’s simply my time) it will probably be embarrassing myself in front of all the natives (like forgetting to eat with my right and using my left, which used only for “hygienic” purposes) or, yes, getting sick and having to spend a day or 2 bedside or finding a doctor back home to tweeze out a bug...still…Yuck!  Really, being patient with myself and not getting frustrated is the big key.  Just like in an ultra, I’ve got to keep smiling (lucky for me, smiles are universal) and thinking positively. 

Everything else I just need to rationalize or just deal with.  I am going to miss my family and friends, I know that…but I will be back in a month.   Of course I am already a little nervous about a job and finances when I get back too, but really I know I’ll be fine.  I’ve paid off all my bills for the next month, so it is best just to stay in the present.  Plus, I know I’ll have so much more knowledge to bring back with me that I can also bring to starting my own youth compassion and/or adventure program.  I’ve already proven by this trip (and some races) that if I dream it, know it, and work for it, I can achieve it.  (Ex: I dreamt about going, I came to believe it was a possibility, I placed in BR to make a down payment, I got a temporary job at the United Way and spent very conservatively for the past 5 months, and now…I am about to depart).

Okay, maybe now I am not as scared sh*tless as I was yesterday.  I guess I have changed to more of a nervous/excited and throw in some extra praying that I don’t forget anything. 

But, I think that’s okay.  I’m going to leave at 6 am Friday (admittedly yes, I have thought of different excuses I could come up with for not going), and I will be in Africa before 3:00 pm on Saturday.  Everything is going to be new to me, but oh, what an Adventure it will be!

Anywho…I better go get packing! Hakuna Matata!

Kilimanjaro

Some of you (if anyone besides Steve actually reads this) may remember from last post I was unsure about whether or not I was going to climb Kili.  Well, I’m still not 100% sure, but I am feeling more confident about it now.

I still have almost none of the gear I need, but I found a place where I could rent it, and I’ve connected with a few people who have climbed it before.  My main fear about the trip is honestly being cold! Lol

Plus, before my reasoning for wanting to climb Kili wasn’t exactly where it should be, now it is.  Either way, it is not a necessity to climb, but, if all goes right, I am going to.  It sounds like a nice little climb ;)

O yea, they do have internet in Tanzania so I will try and update everyone when I can.  I will miss you everyone, but I know you all have your own beautiful adventures to get on with as well.

Safari Njema (Have a good journey),

Rach

Africa: Excitement and Anxiety

 

          Unfortunately, I don’t have a whole lot to say about my preparations for Africa.  Why?  Because I don’t think I have been preparing nearly enough!  And I’m probably worrying about finances and technicalities a bit too much.  This trip is about adventure, helping others, and learning after all!

 

          To go back a bit towards the beginning, I began getting this idea of traveling to Africa in my head in late spring, after I realized that moving to another state may not be part of my current path.  However, I still had the yearning for a philanthropic and worldly experience.  (Side note:  I was worried when Sandi went on her summer excursion that other people would feel they need to do the “exact” same thing, which would not be true.  But, if you read Sandi’s blog, she explains things well how everyone is on their own adventure.  Basically, I believe everyone should have some experience where they are out of their comfort zone, challenged, or have some unique learning experience…but everyone learns in their own ways, is on their own path, and has their own purpose.  It is not about searching for yourself (you are constantly in the state of “I am”…how you act at any moment is you!), but to make yourself grow to be better). Anyway…why Africa?  Because it’s crazy, extreme, beautiful, and I’ve always wanted to go on a mission’s trip.  Plus, I really do believe that this will further me on my path to help kids in the US learn about compassion and live their dreams.

 

I knew paying for the trip would be difficult… especially after graduating from college.  Admittedly though I have been blessed in several ways, plus I did not go on a Senior Trip or waste hundreds of dollars on alcohol… but I had one deal breaker: Burning River 100.  In an Ohio Sports & Fitness article with Sandi, it stated my race goal (which Steve told me was a bit of a bold move…but I really didn’t care):  I wanted to place in BR, and use all that I won towards my down payment  and program fees for Africa.  With all that I have been blessed with, I was able to place 2^nd female.  I was going to Africa! 

 

I signed up with Cross Cultural Solutions shortly after I got my check in the mail, choosing Jan 7^th as my departure date, partially because it was after Xmas and the end of my job at United Way (right before BR I also got the great news I got a temp job at the United Way of Greater Cleveland), and partially…okay a big part…because I’d miss much of the crappy Ohio winter weather.  

 

If I can, I'd also like to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Why? Because it’s there.  But if I don't get to do it, that's okay too.  I don't think it's going anywhere soon.

 

So in the past few months, what have I been doing to get ready? 

 

Well, I ordered plane tickets, my passport, VISA, and paid for the majority of my trip. I’ve briefly gone over my hand book and researched on the web.  Still, all I know is Swahili is “Habari” or “Hello”.  I should not wear shorts or tank tops in the village.  I need to wear a skirt that covers my knees at my volunteer sight.  Stopping to talk to someone is more important than making it on time to a meeting.  Like I said before, I’ve also worried too much.  I know I can afford the trip anyway, I’ve just always been extremely frugal when spending money, especially on me…except this isn’t simply on me!  It’s to volunteer, to learn, to help educate others! I need to remember that.  (Plus, I have no idea what I am getting myself into with if I get the chance to climb Kili…I don’t what it is going to be like, what gear I need, everything to pack.  But I have time, I have friends, I can learn what I need to!)

 

And, I’ll have 2-3 weeks after I finish at UW to research and prepare…so it’s time for me to “chill” and simply be excited for my adventure!  Everything will work out J

 

I also want to send out a HUGE thanks to everyone who has supported me and donated money for this trip.  I am extremely grateful. Asante!

 

Happy Adventures!