Why Africa?!

Why Africa?! I get asked this question a lot, almost every time the subject is brought up. Why did you risk your security going over to a continent you knew hardly anything about?! Why go over there and help, when you can help them from over here?!

A misconception is that I went there specifically to help the people. Although I did help, and made positive change, I needed to go for myself! There was something that was needed for my personal growth there. I wasn't satisfied with hearing about the starving children in Africa, the poverty, and the culture; I needed to go see it for myself.

Young boy showing off his art work

Girls dancing for me!

The children showing off the soap they received through donations by Absolute Equestrian

I did see it! I came across women who had been abused, across children who ate one meal a day, walked through piles of garbage in the city, and heard horror stories from several of the people I encountered on my journey. I also saw the importance of family, the joy in little things, an eagerness to learn, and people who were alive instead of zombified by technology.

Children in Kampala cheering on their school teams

Teaching in Kampala

Serving porridge to the children

Young girl showing off her art work

Africa made me a happier person! Was it the healthier diet, or the laid back lifestyle?! I'm not sure, but it felt like I was where I was meant to be! I became a more confident women through this journey. I grew more comfortable teaching in front of a large class, of travelling on my own, and I got to know myself better, because myself was the only person I came with. I learned what love is, how to deal with hard situations, and to always trust in God. People took advantage of me at times, but I learned from that as well. No has become easier to say, but so has yes!

Holding a new born baby

Teaching Kindergarten in Kampala

Fred and I

If any of you ever get the chance to travel to a third world country, I encourage you to go! It can be scary yes, life threatening potentially, but despite the challenges I faced, I am 100% sure it was the right decision to go! I look forward to the day I can set my feet back on African soil!

(Photo creds Ian and Sheri)