Leaving the Concrete Jungle

When I tell people that I am going to Africa for 6 months to teach English, I have received one of three responses; "That's amazing!", "Why would you go to Africa, you can teach here", or just plain laughter. To be honest, I had those same reactions. When I first toyed with the idea of going to Africa, the thought was so preposterous that I just laughed. Then as the idea settled, I contemplated my family, my job, my obligations and all other realities keeping me back. And finally, I realized that I was going to embark on a truly amazing journey. A once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn't pass up. That's when I decided I had to bring in reinforcements, my best friend LeAnne.

Some people think, well...maybe these girls were shit-out-of-luck finding or keeping a job, and they decided to go an alternate route. That wasn't quite the case for either of us. We both had perfectly good jobs that would have been thrilled to continue our employment.

So once the decision to go to Africa was made, it was very easy finding a school that would host us for 6 months and pretty easy getting my co-workers to support my decision. The hardest part, however, was facing my Jewish mother. How could I tell her that the luxurious, upper west side life that she had laid out for me wasn't quite doing it?? Actually, it is because of her undying support and encouragement that I am able to leave everything behind and take this trip. My parents have blessed me with a life most people only dream about; great home, good food, and a top-of-the-line education. I got everything one could ever ask for in life. Now it's time for me to give back. I need to help people who can't quite help themselves yet.

As for my anxieties, as wise woman once told me, "God will take care of you." And I hope she is right because we are jumping in head first.

Thanks to our families and friends for their love and support! We really wouldn't be able to do this without you.

Keep on Keepin' on,
D