December 27, 2008 -- Brussels International Airport

We are on our way! Sam (my husband) went with us to the airport in Phoenix and he and I said our farewells. This is so much easier for me than for him because I'm off on a big adventure while he has to continue the routine of our lives. First we flew to Newark and waited there for several hours. Overnight we flew to Brussels. Barb and Joe and I are now sitting in the Brussels airport waiting for our connection to Douala. In about six hours we'll be in Africa. Last night I had a delightful seat mate – a 24 year old MD student who is on winter break. We talked in French and she said I wasn't doing too badly.

I slept very poorly. When I finally got to sleep, all too soon Barbara was awakening me because we were getting ready to land. While waiting, a sweet toddler named Micah took a shining to me. He climbed up in my lap and nearly fell asleep.

My 2nd son's first day of college

Through all the years that my two sons were growing up, I often told them the story of my African roommate and how one day I would go to Africa.

I cherish a moment in the eventful day when my husband and I dropped our second son off at Grinnell College in Iowa for his freshman year of college. We all unpacked the van and then wandered the campus a bit. When it was time to go we hugged each other farewell.

As I tearfully crossed the street to get in the van, Seth said, "Hey Mom!" I looked back. He said, "Have a good time in Africa!"

That was about 15 years ago, but I will always remember it as his acknowledgment of my dream and his blessing of it. I think he was also saying, "I'm fine; you can get on with your other life goals."

A Dream coming true!

I've wanted to visit Africa since I was about 10. Having a college roommate from Congo reinforced this dream. Now, 43 years after I promised her that I would come and see her, I'm going to do it! I leave on December 26. It all became real for me when I got my travel shots last week: Tetanus, Diptheria, Measles, Polio booster, Hepatitis A and B, and of course Yellow Fever. And I'm all set with my anti-malarials. I was really prancing!