I remember it clearly like it was yesterday... I was a junior in college and came home to visit my parents. We were all in the kitchen and I started talking about planning our summer vacation to Michigan, Mackinaw Island to be exact. As I was going off on a tangent about finding the hotel (shocker... I know), my dad said "Well actually we are thinking of going to Africa this summer with the Frank Radcliffs". I looked at my parents and said "Africa? I don't think so! We are not going there!" When I thought of Africa, I thought of danger and bugs! And I couldn't understand why anyone would go there. So from that point until we left, I fought it and fought it hard! My parents told me multiple times that I could just stay home. It was a major stress in my family and I had no desire to go! But deep, deep down, I knew it would be a trip I wouldn't want to miss but that still didn't mean I didn't want to go... but I never told anyone that, of course! The moment we got to church (after going 24+ hours with no sleep and crazy hallucinations), I had an undeniable love of this country and their people!
Which by the way... Africa is NOT a country... it is a continent. Most people just know that I am going to Africa but have NO clue where. They say I am going to Nigeria, Uguanda, Tanzania. I don't know why Africa is viewed as a country when the continent is more than 3 United States. But when I first went, I just told people I was going to Africa. I viewed it the same way. But now being blessed of going to Africa 4 times (Kenya, Zambia, and Botswana), it is more than just a continent, it is full of many wonderful countries.
Back to my story... After we got back from Kenya after our first trip, I knew I wanted to go back again and again! So the next summer, we were back in Kenya! And I have been two more times after that. I love Africa and all of their countries! People there have life hard, very, very hard! But they have such a heart for people. To see the smiles on kids' faces, is my favorite part of going to Africa!
The irony in all of this is the girl who refused to go to Africa is now moving to Africa! God, You always have the last laugh! ;) Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity!
