T-minus 20 hours or so till take off on our mission to Rwanda for a Right to Play charity behind the scenes. Unfortunately the jokes about the flight aswell as a few "important documents" warning me of some highly unlikely scenarios have become unhumorous to say the least from the standing point of a fear-flyer and a nervous/excited first time to Africa traveller.
Although the excitement for the trip is growing it is also bringing stress due to many reasons including one of my mum and I's horses being less then perfect which is not ideal, as well as being the worst packer I have ever known which means one thing is bound to be forgotten! Although I have written a list and checked it a hundred times I'm sure it isn't going to do much good in attempting to break my forgetful streak.
I have been told that this trip will "change my life" and even though I don't doubt that to a degree I think it will more change my view on life and my view on what is important in life. I might come back and find electronics not as needing as they once were, find a better appreciation for the little things that cost nothing in life rather then the expensive ones or maybe I'll come back and cherise the people I have in my life more then ever (ie: family, friends, mum, dad, Mike, Wade, etc). No doubt the kids will touch my soul as I've heard has happened to many before me and will do to many after, the camp will be a sight to see I believe the families and the way they make the village work with so little will be amazing to be apart of.
The excitement sometimes is over shadowed by what it will feel like to really be in a place that has such a history like Rwanda, one of our first activities is to visit the Genocide museum which I am excited and nervous about, it will be so much to walk through those doors and just feel the power of something that happened so long ago that it will be extremely overwhelming.
But never the less it will be the trip of a lifetime, that is until the next trip, and the one after because I'm sure I will become addicted, no doubt about it and Papa Grange is certain he is joining me on the next one, we'll see how this one goes first shall we?
The packing will resume tonight and hopefully I'll be organized to do nothing tomorrow (ie: packing last minute, scrambling to find stuff) but visit my ponies one last time for the next week and a bit, cuddle with the pup, shower up and get to the airport ready for a 23 hour trip to Rwanda. Wish me luck?
~A.Grange~
Thank you for sharing this unique journey Ariel. I look forward to your reflections and reports as it unfolds, or even after your return. It's wonderful to hear that you are involved with "Right to Play" and adding to the support your Mum has already provided - a courageous decision. Good luck.
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