Sunday, November 15, 2009

Heeding the Call

The Africa dream is coming closer to realization. The itinerary was emailed to me and I have to finalize tomorrow -- then it's no turning back. Kidlet and I had some time tonight to get it all out on the table and reaffirm our commitment to a trip of this magnitude - both financial and adventurewise. It is just too expensive of a trip to take feeling indifferent or mediocre about it. Her eyes sparkled as I reviewed the details of the trip with her.

She told me last week that she felt Africa calling. I feel it too -- but even more than Africa, I feel time calling. My daughter is on the cusp of adulthood, about to leave the family cocoon to pursue her own dreams, embark on her on life's journey. Time is at a premium and I can't think of when next we will have an opportunity to share a life altering experience. There will be no distractions; we will have only one another to turn to, to converse with (in transit anyway). I am looking as forward to the long hours we will spend on the plane as much as any other part. Kidlet is so busy that I rarely get those quiet times anymore,  just to chat. I miss her, and having two older girls who have already left home, I have a better appreciation of how precious and fleeting this remaining time together is ...

Planning is underway. Excitement is growing to overflowing and I can barely believe that this dream is about to be fulfilled. Kidlet and me. Africa. It's calling -- and we're going!

5 comments:

  1. That's very exciting Lyn! I know just what you mean spending the quality time with your youngest. It's so important.

    That's great you and your daughter will have this trip to share together. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. Where and when will you be going? I think you told me Kenya, but what part?

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  2. I'm so happy for you, Lyn! I hope you are safe and have a great time!

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  3. This is all so exciting! I can't wait to hear all about this trip. It's going to be a wonderful experience for you both, especially since you'll be experiencing it together. :)

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  4. What a great thing to do with your daughter. I would love a special trip with my mom, just the two of us. You will have so much fun and it will be a life-altering experience. You must be so excited to head out.

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  5. Thanks everyone for your interest. The trip is a long way off yet -- not until early July 2010. But it will give us both a tiny taste of the continent -- some volunteer ops, some lecture and study of the culture and challenges facing the people of the region and we will even have a a little safari thrown in for good measure. I have my beautiful hard bound copy of Out of Africa that my two special friends begifted me and I am planning on reading it while on the Masai Mara reserve.

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