After 9 weeks, I have officially arrived back in the states! :) I am very fortunate that even though I missed my flight and was delayed on another, that I have successfully made it home, without further interruptions. As the Ebola news continues to spread and the reality that I did work and am going back to Senegal in a few short weeks, I find myself reflecting on the positive moments that I had while I was in West Africa. A Senegalese local at the hotel I was staying said something that reminded me why I absolutely love traveling. We were able to share a few moments about his reflections on the Ebola virus and what impact it has had on him and those that he loves. He mentioned how important family is to him and his village, and how sometimes life is unfair and cruel by nature. The conversation had begun to turn a negative tone, but then he said the greatest thing that we have in our lives is hope. I could tell in his emotions, gestures, and strong French accent that he was devastated that the virus was neighboring his country and threatening to affect those that he loved. My heart sank, and for once in my life I did not know what to say or do. I could not say that I understand his feelings, because I have not dealt with this illness before or anything remotely this toxic. I was a loss for words, as he looked straight into my eyes he said Everythings going to be okay. Just have hope. As I come back to the states, I took with me one of the most influential quotes that was said to me by a local living in West Africa. His words compelled me to truly think about what it means to have hope. To dream, to cherish, to live, to survive, to love, and most importantly to have confidence that everything will be okay. As I begin to make my final preparations for The Voyage of Discovery, it is moments like this that remind me that there is so much beauty in the world. Whether it is the people, the culture, the words of wisdom that we learn, and/or the ambitions that we have for a stronger future and better tomorrow, we all share the same passion to fulfill our lives with love, kindness, and hope. My heart and prayers go out to the locals and good mates that I have met a few years ago throughout my travels in Gabon and Guinea. As they continue to fight this illness, and overcome this battle, my heart is with theirs. The Ebola stories will continue to flood our media sources, but take a moment and remember that all we need is a little faith and hope, and think about those that have been affected with the virus. Lets continue to send our love and prayers to those that truly need it.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 02:03:08 +0000
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