Inspiration

You may be wondering, "What on earth compelled this crazy girl to go to Africa for three months??" To which I would reply, "Good question!"

It's an especially good question since the closest I've ever gotten to a safari is Disney's Animal Kingdom and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Animal Kingdom 2008

I have always loved animals and wildlife but my fascination with African ecosystems and culture comes from my dad. My grandfather was a professor at Union College and was able to take a year long sabbatical to Liberia. My dad was in 8th grade so he and my grandma went too. They have so many stories about the people they met and things that happened, they had to write a book!

Unfortunately, the year they went, 1979, was also the year of the coup and the beginning of a long bloody civil war but that's a story for another time. For now, let's focus on the adorable picture of my dad with a baby chimpanzee named Oo-oo! Talk about throw back Thursday!

Dad and Oo-oo

My grandma (Dad's mom) is also a huge inspiration. She passed away about 3 months ago and I hate to say I did not know her as well as I thought.  I've learned so much about her strength and spunk and spirit of adventure. Who else would pick up and leave to live in Africa for a year? She was clearly brave and loving and I was lucky to have known her. Whenever I am scared in the next 3 months, you can be sure I'll be praying for her strength and fearlessness.

Grandma in her natural habitat

One more thing if you are still reading; please continue to pray for all the people in Liberia and the rest of West Africa that are still fighting the Ebola virus. The situation is still fragile and will likely get worse before it gets better. 

Thanks for joining me on my journey!

Only 3 days left!