Tanzania ’18
it seems like only yesterday that i was wandering about in the dawn, a little before the sun had begun to rise, where, for a few tranquil moments, it was just the world and i.
the world, and i. a scary thought.
before i forget,
now, so much later—i close my eyes, take a deep breath, and there i am again.
there i am, standing once again in the dawn at home base—our lodging for two weeks in life-changing kilimanjaro. how could i ever forget?
how could i forget the first night, where the electric fence got me up at four in the morning, and i lay jet-lagged in my bed listening to the symphony of rooster, cricket, and laughter from the kitchen wafting in through the window? or the food, the amazing food—avocados, donuts, lemon tea, the guac (!!!), and, of course, my favorite pasta and soup?
or, as time passed, the uke sessions, the dance parties, and the endless singalongs? the card games, mind games, and the endlessly entertaining mafia showdowns where someone would not shut up? and, who could ever forget spoons, wink murder, and most importantly, the dobble?
the supermarket visits? the leadering of each day? the daily podcasts? the shoutout circle (and, most notably, brendah's daily “shoutout to all of you for being the best versions of yourselves”)?
then, of course, the hike to the top of kilimanjaro... the top of the bottom? s.p.a.c.e. j.a.m. (roll kickin' sticks!!)? the emotional mentor group discussions? a certain someone's laugh? first i'm gonna get ya, then i'm gonna eat ya? the campfire? and the final weekend safari-ing?
and the hotel halfway thru the safari, when we were sitting in that dimly lit lounge, chatting, sprites, pizza, no care in the world?
how could i forget my family?
stuck in a knot of emotions. all i can say for sure is that i'm eternally thankful that i have something to be so, so homesick about. asante.
