Brief update on my life:
I made it to Africa, with only very minimal disturbances in the travel plans. Overall, I was proud of my first independant (well, first EVER) world travelling experience. I made all the connections and my luggage magically made it with me. I have been in Monrovia for almost a week now. Actually, that is not true. Technically, we are in living in Malta, because the boat is at the port, and some there is some in-depth explanation of why we are actually not in Monrovia that I don't need to understand. But, I agree with them completely. I really don't feel like I am in Africa. I flew in with a group of 35 other "Mercy Shippers" and we were picked up by numerous air conditioned Mercy Ships vehicles. The hour-long ride to the ship would have probably been overwhelming, if I had been able to convince myself that what I was seeing out the window of the car was real-life, not in my head or on TV. Perhaps I can blame it on the extreme lack of sleep I was experiencing at that point, or the fact that it was all just to surreal to even believe, but, I really couldn't even process in my head that I was actually in Africa. The Africa that I have wanted to come to forever. One of the girls put it perfectly when we stepped off the plane in the "airport" (open feild with a tent and furnature that I think may have been recovered from a summer camp I went to when I was 12). Knowing that I was completely in awe of the reality of it all she said to me "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore!" Amen sista!
But then came the boat and 5 days of ship life, which, to my surprise, is much more "comfortable" than I was anticipating. Sure, we are 6 people in a cabin, are only allowed to take two minute showers, and have a few minor inconveniences that aren't even worth mentioning; But, overall, the living condions on the boat are quite amazing. Almost to the point that you forget you are in Africa. I was struggling with this a little, until last night when I took the plunge and made my first venture out into the city of Monrovia. My mom says that I always pick the highest mountain to climb whenever I can. The way I see it, I just like to face my fears. If something scarres me, I want to do it. It stops it from scaring me.
Due to continual stories from crew members who were here for the last outreach, and well-meaning warnings from the people in charge, going into the city was a hurdle for me. The first couple days I took to adjust in head that I was in Africa. Then, when I realized I was really just on a very "first world" boat, something didn't feel right. So, I did it. I went to Africa last night. We ate a restaurant on the beach. Literally, they took tables and chairs and put them on the beach so we could watch the waves and the sunset. It was amazing. To get there was an experience, and all I could think of was how much I wish I was videotaping it all to show everyone. There just aren't enough words. But, my first taste of "Africa" was amazing and heart wrenching and I probably looked like a small child experiencing the world for the first time. But, it is a world that I have longed to be a part of and to touch for so long. And, I am so glad that my time has come!
posted by Jenn
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Brief update on my life:
I made it to Africa, with only very minimal disturbances in the travel plans. Overall, I was proud of my first independant (well, first EVER) world travelling experience. I made all the connections and my luggage magically made it with me. I have been in Monrovia for almost a week now. Actually, that is not true. Technically, we are in living in Malta, because the boat is at the port, and some there is some in-depth explanation of why we are actually not in Monrovia that I don't need to understand. But, I agree with them completely. I really don't feel like I am in Africa. I flew in with a group of 35 other "Mercy Shippers" and we were picked up by numerous air conditioned Mercy Ships vehicles. The hour-long ride to the ship would have probably been overwhelming, if I had been able to convince myself that what I was seeing out the window of the car was real-life, not in my head or on TV. Perhaps I can blame it on the extreme lack of sleep I was experiencing at that point, or the fact that it was all just to surreal to even believe, but, I really couldn't even process in my head that I was actually in Africa. The Africa that I have wanted to come to forever. One of the girls put it perfectly when we stepped off the plane in the "airport" (open feild with a tent and furnature that I think may have been recovered from a summer camp I went to when I was 12). Knowing that I was completely in awe of the reality of it all she said to me "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore!" Amen sista!
But then came the boat and 5 days of ship life, which, to my surprise, is much more "comfortable" than I was anticipating. Sure, we are 6 people in a cabin, are only allowed to take two minute showers, and have a few minor inconveniences that aren't even worth mentioning; But, overall, the living condions on the boat are quite amazing. Almost to the point that you forget you are in Africa. I was struggling with this a little, until last night when I took the plunge and made my first venture out into the city of Monrovia. My mom says that I always pick the highest mountain to climb whenever I can. The way I see it, I just like to face my fears. If something scarres me, I want to do it. It stops it from scaring me.
Due to continual stories from crew members who were here for the last outreach, and well-meaning warnings from the people in charge, going into the city was a hurdle for me. The first couple days I took to adjust in head that I was in Africa. Then, when I realized I was really just on a very "first world" boat, something didn't feel right. So, I did it. I went to Africa last night. We ate a restaurant on the beach. Literally, they took tables and chairs and put them on the beach so we could watch the waves and the sunset. It was amazing. To get there was an experience, and all I could think of was how much I wish I was videotaping it all to show everyone. There just aren't enough words. But, my first taste of "Africa" was amazing and heart wrenching and I probably looked like a small child experiencing the world for the first time. But, it is a world that I have longed to be a part of and to touch for so long. And, I am so glad that my time has come!
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