A Journey Begins...

June 15, 2010
All my bags are packed, and I’m ready to go…but not without many hugs, a few tears, and a lot of planning!! I started packing on Saturday, in fear that just 24 hours wouldn’t be enough. I’ve had to do a lot of shopping and list-making to get ready for this trip. How does one prepare for 8 weeks, half of which will be spent halfway across the world?!? There won’t exactly be a Wal-Mart in walking distance in Morogoro, Tanzania…thank God! Of my new acquisitions are closed-toe water shoes to protect my feet from the stingrays, a waterproof windbreaker to wear during my outdoor lectures which will take place rain or shine, and several pairs of Exofficio underwear (the kind you can wash in the sink and are dry within a few hours – we’ll see how true that is in 100% humidity!) As Chad said best, this trip has been sponsored by REI!
I’m very grateful that I got to spend a few hours with my family last night celebrating Josie’s birthday at the new Denver pinkberry. Cue Homer Simpson’s “mmm, pinkberry”…*drool* The highlight of my evening was listening to Josie, age 9, and Alayna, age 5, singing Johnny Clegg’s “Are You Ready?” I played that song for them over and over again a few months ago on one of their visits to Deeda Camp. Clegg is a South African musician who has a talent for creating beats that you can’t help but bop to and lyrics that get stuck in your head for hours. Of my favorites: “the world has crocodile eyes” and “we are genetically coded to decode our code.” Seeing them sing African music made me smile and gave me a renewed excitement for my trip.
This morning went just as scheduled. I woke up early and took Polaris for a quick run around the block (a little mother-daughter bonding to try to prevent her from forgetting me…how long are Labrador memories??) I gave her a bath, brushed her teeth, and cleaned her ears – I like to think that I’m needed for this although Chad assures me he’s capable (and willing). I finished my last-minute packing, weighed my luggage (17 kilos, perfect!), and finished up with transferring important files to my more portable laptop. I waited for my mom to arrive to give me her proper send-off. She promised Rod she wouldn’t cry – she lied. I didn’t make any promises.
Chad and I had a nice lunch at Cracker Barrel on our way to DIA. Sadly, the realization of the trip settled in about a quarter through my grilled chicken salad. My stomach got that nervous feeling, and I hadn’t even finished my second biscuit! We continued on our way to the airport, and I kept hoping Chad would surprise me with the news that he too had bought a ticket to Florida because they decided to do Envirovet Couples Edition this year. Needless to say, I am making this journey alone.
On the airplane I distracted myself with finishing the first draft of my journal article on bovine tuberculosis in Ireland. After all, I will be making the trip to Ireland to present my research in only a few short months! What a year this will be! Although it’s only halfway through, I’m quite sure 2010 will be remembered as one of the best years of my life. In the background of my paper is the sound of a familiar voice, Dr. Quinn. I rewarded myself for working on my paper by watching a few episodes of one of my favorite TV shows. Today the Medicine Woman is my companion and a source of a little inspiration. She did unthinkable things in her day, such as traveling across the U.S. to pursue her dream. She left her comforts and took a chance. She was a pioneer and an independent spirit with a big heart. I guess today I am a pioneer. I am embarking on a journey of self-discovery, personal and professional growth, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Thank you to those who have made this day possible. Whether it be through words or prayers, I have felt your love and encouragement and it has inspired and enabled me.