I’m sitting here approving comments for the past couple blogs that have been posted and I am thinking, why the heck didn’t I go to Africa? I was one of the lucky ones Denise asked to go. I remember getting her text that said something like “I think the dates for Africa will be….” And my response was “Huh? Me?” Of course once I understood what she was saying I WAS OVER THE MOON. And speechless. And technically reading a text while driving so I had to contain myself until I got home and shared the news!
I couldn’t believe it. I’d be going to AFRICA. Which honestly wasn’t as crazy to me as the fact that WE, as in MJC, were funding a whole ORPHANAGE in AFRICA. Also the fact that Denise decided to take so many of her close friends and family on a trip there, just so we could spend time with the children making them feel extra special!? It all seems unreal, and like I’m not explaining the wonderful outrageous-ness of it all.
And then Denise and I realized there would be a few more trips for me before Africa. If you know me, I’m a homebody. I love collecting all of the incredible experiences I’ve gained from Matilda Jane, but traveling has always been so bittersweet for me. I actually just recently went to the doctor for motion sickness medicine to help traveling become a little easier
ANYWAY. I realized if I went to Africa I would be gone over 25 days of November. And I couldn’t. I just couldn’t. I don’t think my anxiety or my body would have let me. I knew I HAD to go to China and work on production, and I knew I HAD to go to California for the photo shoot. These jobs are my responsibilities. But choosing to stay home from Africa because of exhaustion?? Ugh now it seems so…wrong.
I can’t wait for them to get back. I want to tell Denise I’m an idiot for not going. I want to hug Kiara and ask her if she cried while she was there. I want to ask Kayla how many babies she tried to sneak her in luggage. And I want to ask Lynette (who extended her trip 1 week longer!) if she will ever want to come back?
So…can you believe it? I turned down the experience of a lifetime. I’m still speechless. And disappointed in myself, but SO proud of all that went.
I’ll be the first to say we should take another trip there this Spring. Who’s with me!?
LOVE,
SAM
Well, Baby Girl, maybe you were supposed to keep the home fires burning, huh? As for next spring … put your Mama Hope down to join you! If Kayla brings back too many little ones, call me and I’ll make a pick-up!
Good to know your limits, though, Sam and very humble of you to admit them! We don’t do anyone any good in any of our endeavors when we over do it!! What town is the orphanage in?
Hugs to you today, Sam! I am a homebody too, so I feel ya’! It’s hard to balance the desires to travel and have new experiences with the NEED to be home. To be grounded. There is something grounding to me about my home. Some of the dreamers need to have that stability, that grounding force to keep them level. Home is that for me.
((hugs))
Sam-
I’m with you!! Africa sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity… and the chance to help others at the same time. Priceless.
However, that said, I also can’t blame you for staying home! 25 days out of 30 means less time in the office, less time at home,and less time with loved ones over the holidays.
It’s hard to stay behind, but I’m sure it was meant to be. This will be more reason to plan the next trip soon, and touch even more little ones lives. What an amazing experience this will be and you will be in a better place when your time comes. Keep your head up!
YES next spring! Seriously, is there a way for others to partner with you on this?
Sam you ladies put it together and i’d go in a heartbeat. I want to do something great like this – and help others. We take so much for granted, and even knowing that fact,I am equally guilty.
I would absolutely LOVE to go!!