One Month Until Africa!

In exactly one month I will be stepping foot onto a new continent: Africa. I receive nearly weekly updates about my impending internship and I cannot express how excited I am to embark on this journey. My international agriculture development internship position is sponsored by ICM and will take me to Mozambique, Africa to work with Orphans Unlimited. I somehow was fortunate to obtain my dream internship this summer. I will be away for three months and many individuals have asked me about the experience like:

"Am I excited?" 

"What are you going to be doing over there."

And, my favorite, "What are you going to eat?"

Well, I am a picky eater. However, I will be getting used to rice, beans, bread, goat and fresh produce. I will be gone for a fourth of the year. I recognize that I will be missing out on an entire summer; which includes county fairs, friends birthdays and countless memories in between. But, it is worth it. There is no question in my mind that this summer will be life changing. 

I am flying to Mozambique with an open mind, willing hands and warm heart. I am most excited to work with the children. I am sure many of them will steal my heart and reaffirm my faith in humanity. I feel as though I have gotten to "comfortable" in the U.S. 

Traveling abroad allows me to see the world in a different light and to be less egotistical. What I most enjoy about travel is being able to share experiences with others upon returning. I have already had requests from civic and collegiate organizations to share my travel adventures this fall. 

So yes, I am excited. In fact, I am ecstatic about traveling to Africa. I will not have electricity, cell phone service, internet access and limited basic needs. That's just part of the beauty of travel. Above all I hope to change someone's life this summer as I am sure mine will be altered- for the better- in more ways than I can fathom. 

Only one month until Mozambique and my visa are ready!