What is it about change that brings us out of hiding? I've been approached by friends and strangers alike about my trip, and it's been entertaining to see the curious, incredulous, admiring, and downright opinionated sides of people. Here's a typical conversation:
Person: What's this I hear about you taking off for Africa?
Me: Well, yes, I am going to Africa. What would you like to know?
Person: Why are you going? What are you going to do?
Me: I'm a crazy girl who loves adventure and giving my parents gray hair. (Or less hair, sorry, Dad) More importantly, I'm going to volunteer with an American physician (Dr. Frank Artress. His website is www.fameus.net ) who is building a hospital there, and to help at the orphanage nearby (www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org).
Person: That's great! Won't that be sad, though? I think that would just break my heart. I'd want to bring them all back with me, won't you?
Me: I'm sure I'll be tempted, but parenthood is for the strong and brave of heart. I AM excited to be with them and help out for awhile. They are amazing little humans for what they have survived. We ARE accepting donations if you're interested in helping out...
Person: Oh yes, I'll bring you some things. What country are you going to, anyways?
Me: Tanzan-
Person: TANZANIA?! That's where the devil lives!!
Me: Huh? OH! No, that's TasMANia. I'll be in TanZANIA. Whew, had me there for a moment!
Person: Oh, that's right! Where is that anyways?
Me: East Coast of Africa, just south of the Equator...home of Mt. Kilimanjaro...Maybe you've heard of it?
Person: Yes, I believe so. That's going to be a LONG trip!
Me: Funny how traveling halfway around the world takes awhile. I've been practicing my Apparition skills (that's the ability to teletransport yourself from one place to another to you clueless non-Harry Potter fans), but I keep losing my luggage, so I figure my chances are just as good with traditional transportation.
Person: Hmm. When do you leave?
Me: I'm not disclosing the details, to keep the papparazzi at bay, I'm sure you understand, but just to throw them off we'll say my departure is Tuesday, October 16, and come back at New Years time...
Person: You're missing the holidays!
Me: I'll bring cool presents though. How are things going for you?
And so on...
10 comments:
SHE BLOGGED! Yeah! You are a natural! This was very entertaining! Keep it up!
Good luck on your journey and we will be thinking about you.
Keep us updated as MUCH as possible!
Love the pre-Africa journey you're having. SO true -- can totally hear the other 'person'. We want to hear it all. Love you!
Will Brangelina be there adopting childrens?
Hey Queen Abababba!! Sign me up as one of those who is both living vicariously through you and needing a break from piles of laundry! I can't wait to hear all about this adventure!! Lots of Love!
So.....finally an admittance to having some responsibility for adding gray hairs.
You did say that I could raid your room and go through things????? Anything you want to keep? :)
Thought about spelling my identity backwards so folks wouldn't know....but was told that they'd figure it out anyway.
Glad you are there and safe.
Hi sister. Really, you can come back now. The laundry is piled high, the sink is full of dishes, your nephew (no, not the sweet one) is moaning and groaning ... blah blah blah.
So glad you made it safe and sound.
And WHO on earth left that tacky Brangelina comment? Hmmm ....
-Lex
glad to hear you made it. you've got plenty of time to find something to bring back for your brother besides the loin cloth you offered, so please do not bring back any mummified animals like last time. your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
How can we find you?
Last time Rebma went to Peru she MAILED mummified alpaca fetuses (feti?) to her brothers. I hope she just brings us a t-shirt this time. Or if they are mummified animals again, I hope the dog doesn't eat half of it again before I get to the package.
Found your blog via Damon's and must say that I'll be back to read of your adventures. Wow. What you are doing is so amazing. Best of luck to you!
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