May 20, 2008 - Journal Entry

"It's 8:30 at night. Right now I am on a plane to Amsterdam, where I will connect with my flight to South Africa. As I sit here by the window, looking out over the vast expanse of clouds, I'm amazed at the way that life falls into place. Four years ago, I was in South Africa for two weeks and ever since, I knew that I was coming back. I can't believe that it's actually happening, and everything that it has taken to make this dream come true.

"This morning was hard. I could only think about what I would be leaving behind - my family, friends, boyfriend, everything familiar and comfortable. I was terrified. And I couldn't stop crying, much to my embarresment. But once my parents left me at the airport, I had to pull it together. Reading Jane Goodall's book "Reason for Hope" brought my spirits up a lot. She was only two years older than me when she set out for Africa for the first time. Imagining the fear and awe that she also must have felt, and knowing how blessed she became, I felt much better and much more calm. I remembered that this is what I was born to do - where I am supposed to be. Nothing that led me here was an accident. Right now, I can honestly say that I am very excited to be embarking on this adventure. And I am extremely grateful for the challenge.

"It's 3:00 in the morning by my watch and I am at my layover in Amsterdam (Holland? The Netherlands? Where am I?). It's 9:00 AM here but I'm exhausted. I didn't sleep at all on my flight over. On the brightside, I'm almost done reading Jane Goodall. And the airline food was surprisingly good. I'm hoping to sleep the entire eleven hour flight from here to Johannesburg"