The greatest journeys start with a single step. This one is starting by missing my flight. Over the last few days, I have been consumed with urges to clean, repair, build and monitor every aspect of my existence in Tacoma; the house, garage in process, the rentals plus a last few opportunities to spend time with friends. Yet barely a moment to ready myself for three months in Africa. Now I've missed the flight and I've still not begun to pack.
I've known about this trip, one way or another, for two years. Africa was on my list of immediate post graduation plans. Originally I thought a few days on Safari would suffice, but the more I considered the options and the expectations I have of myself, something else was necessary. A few months ago, I mentioned my desire to a friend to go to Africa and do "something philanthropic." "What a coincidence," says Bill, "my cousin will be here in 15 minutes." Enter FK Day, a founder of SRAM and World Bicycle Relief. (http://www.worldbicyclerelief.org/) A few emails and a short phone call with the Director of African Operations in Zambia and its set - 10 weeks in Lusaka. I began making reservations two months ago, starting and ending the trip in London. Getting back and forth to Europe will be by the grace of United Airlines and my retained travel benefits.
I want to go. Actually, I want to follow the advice of "just show up." I'm excited by the opportunity to do something new, commit to a worthy cause, and test my experience, philosophy and acumen. But part of me, apparently a large part, wants to stay; enjoy the northwest summer, tinker around the house, host dinners, be a bit more normal than the last two years have allowed. But I will go, I am much too disciplined for any other option to prevail. So now I have to pack, the flight's at 6AM to Chicago.
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