Launching Into the Unknown

<p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>What should I bring to Africa?</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>The answer I got to that question at 31 years old was Whatever makes you feel at home. Having lived in the southern United States I had no idea what to pack. Once I arrived in Africa I adjusted quickly to the various places I lived. Home became more of a state of mind than a physical location or set of things</span><span style=background-color: rgba(248 248 248 1); color: rgba(29 28 29 1)>.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Some of my most unique experiences happened because I said yes to adventuring half-way around the globe:</span></p><ul><li><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Waking in the middle of the night to find the house invaded by army ants;</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Realizing I was the only white person on a very full bus and feeling comfortable with that;</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Meeting someone at a shop and ending up in their home having breakfast;</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Spending an afternoon at the Sudanese ambassador's house;</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Enjoying sheep intestines while thinking it is macaroni.</span></li></ul><p><br></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>This is but a small fraction of the story for Sudan was fuller richer more changeable unpredictable and fascinating than I expected. The people are gracious forgiving and hospitable. The tastes sights and sounds reflect a vibrant determined and joyful richness that overcomes poverty and significant difficulties. I was challenged and encouraged while learning great patience and the value of perseverance. This story bears my immense gratitude especially to the Sudanese who have taught me so much.</span></p>