The last six weeks have been ones of joy, fun, sadness, frustration and hope. I have been challenged to think about and view life's fragility, deal with cultural taboos, attempt to speak in a foreign language, travel to "no travel" zones, sleep under the stars in the Saharan desert, make new friends, sleep in different time zones, eat 'organ-sauce,' begin loving to use outdoor "squatty--potties," hold babies, give and receive gifts, and so much more. What a privilege it is to travel!
My trip to Burkina Faso did not turn out at all the way I expected to...but then I expected that! What it did confirm, however, is my love for people of foreign countries and languages and my desire to work in humanitarian aid. Wrangling with rural nurses over treatment regimens and observing out-dated and outlandish clinical skills being practiced were challenging. However, one of the nurses I worked with was very open to whatever input I had which was absolutely wonderful.
I was blessed to have this opportunity to revisit England, catch up with friends, visit Burkina Faso, make new friends and a second family was an incredible opportunity. I am still thinking and processing so many things. But what I did find out is that no matter how good or bad an 'experience' is, that memory can still be looked on with fondness just because of the people who were present with you to experience it with you.
I will miss my Burkinabe family. I will miss London and my friends there. But I will have the opportunity to travel again (D.V.) and see new people, make new friends, speak new languages and try new cultural foods.
This coming summer is one of unknowns and 'knowns' (if I may say that about the future!), but it is one where I get to spend time with loved ones. How much better does it truly get?
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