Wrap up from Fall 2014 African Adventure: 9 countries, 9 weeks, unforgettable memories!

I don’t know if anyone is really reading the blog although I know my father has been ;) I really have written it as a record for myself so that I can remember all the details of this amazing adventure with my son. It has met and exceeded all my expectations and has evolved into something that I don’t even know how it will completely translate and direct the rest of my life, but I know it will. I feel so grateful to be able to have had this unique experience and to be able to share it with my whole family in Egypt and to have been with Sam the whole time. He is growing in ways that can’t always be quantified by the world or exams. He is growing in his faith, in his compassion, in his knowledge of the world and what is possible. He has a greater appreciation for  great civilizations which have existed before and great ones that are still evolving. 

Along this trip we have witnessed the importance of good and honest leadership and seen the hardships that are brought by those that are selfish. We have witnessed that education is what gives people a chance, that it is valued and how valuable it is to have a job. That families make huge sacrifices to take care of their families, often having to leave them to be able to support them. I feel as though I personally have a greater respect for so many people I have met that are living away from their homes doing what they need to do to care for their families back in their home countries and I am so grateful that I have been able to personally raise my own children and give them all that they need to be able to go out and make their own way. I know this is a blessing which I am not deserving up but have been fortunate enough to have. I am grateful and am trying to find ways to give back. I have been taught and trying to teach my children. “Where much is given, much is required in return.” 

We all make different sacrifices for those we love. I have come to appreciate the many that I have witnessed for a few examples the Nields that have sacrificed many comforts they could have to show love and solidarity and support of those people in their country that they love and to grow the gospel of Jesus Christ in Zimbabwe. I have witnessed those in South Africa that make sacrifices to improve their futures and lives of their children for fighting for equality and for basic privileges of clean water, shelter and education and safety. The country has been through such dramatic changes and that everyone I met want to work together to make things right and good for everyone. I have witnessed the resiliency of people of all colors and nationalities who have been mistreated and who have risen above it and rather than being filled with hate or resentment they still move forward with love and hope. I have witnessed children that have nothing but education and some kindnesses showed by others, not always by their immediate families, that have sustained them so they can move forward with hope. I have seen beaches that are more beautiful than anything I have seen in my life, oceans  filled with fishes and skies that are filled with birds of all colors, shapes, and sizes which reconfirms to me that these things were divinely created and all testify of God’s love for his children.  

This has been an amazing journey. I am so grateful for all of it.  I am looking forward to coming home, being with my family and friends and showing them my love and support in all that is happening at home. Thank you to all those that have been following along with our experiences.  We will take a little reprieve and then head back east to see some of our own country starting with Plymouth Rock and making our way to the Twin Towers in NYC and seeing the memorial there and other things and then to DC where I am hoping to organize a government tour of our city from the Capital to the Constitution. We then head off on our next big world adventure Part II in early January to see the Pacific and Asia. Who knows what lays ahead.... we will find out and will begin posting then. Happy Holidays!