"The end of a matter, is better than its beginning..." - Ecclesiastes 7:8(Or As my Dad may have written "The ending is just the beginning"...Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath)
It is hard to believe that my trip has come to an end.
Ecclesiastes got it right- (unless its the end of the last slice of a chocolate cake, of course).
Before I started my journey, I thought being in Africa for six months was going to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do. As of four days ago, however, I have discovered that the hardest thing I've ever had to do is leave Africa. After nearly two months in The Gambia and three months in Kenya it is a strange feeling to be in England, and having tea with "the Queen" at Windsor (only kidding with my Queen Grandma !!)
As most of you know, my original plan was to spend six months in The Gambia and maybe a week or two in Kenya. But plans change. And I couldn't be happier that they did. Getting to know the kids and staff at Rafiki has been a true blessing.
As expected there was a huge difference between America and Africa. What I hadn't expected was the difference between The Gambia and Kenya. This adventure has given me the opportunity to learn about two new cultures and through that I have begun to appreciate these small differences and see how they make each of us our own person.
I have met some of the most inspirational people while in Africa. Each person I have met had their own story, not all the stories were as expected and now I can add my own story to a big book of unexpected life journeys.
Before I left many people questioned why I would want to put of college and spend half a year in a third world country, away from home and away from all the comforts that that entails. Today I have an answer for those people. I went because of people like the characters in my book of unexpected stories. Life happens and we have to learn to adapt. It is how we adapt that determines the plot of our journey.
Its been four days and I am still trying to sort out everything that has happened on my adventure of a lifetime. What I have experienced has left me at a loss for words. That's not right. It has left me at a loss for ADEQUATE words.
I have plenty to say and much to the annoyance of my family (I am sure) I could go on for days about the amazing time I have had. It is going to take me a while to compile everything and I promise that when my brain isn't running at a hundred miles an hour I will update you all again.
But for now I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I want to say thank you to my friends back home who worked so hard to keep in touch. I know I wasn't the best at responding to emails and facebook messages but you stuck with me.
I want to thank all the staff at WYCE and Rafiki for having me as a volunteer for so many months. Both organizations are there for the betterment of the children's future and both could use your help. I have added the links to both of their websites so you can learn more about them and their missions.
I wish to thank my Auntie Sara and Uncle Ebs and all my Gambian family for taking me in and for trying to make the transition as easy as possible for me. They also allowed me the opportunity to "take the stabilizers" off earlier than expected and be more independent.
I also want to thank Grace, for being a friend, a mentor, an inspiration, a big sister, and somebody that understood what I was going through. Without you I probably would have started talking to myself and the kids would have really thought I was even crazier.
My extended family in England have been some of the most supportive people my whole life albeit from afar and over the past few months their support has only increased.
This blog would just be another random web page if it weren't for all my followers and readers. Thank you for caring enough about what I say to keep checking up on me. Thank you guys!
Most of all I want to thank my sisters and my parents back in the US. To my sisters, Orla and Enya, being your big sister definitely helped prepare me for working in an orphanage with 30 girls wanting to borrow my clothes and chill out in my room. Thank you for remembering that I am always there for you and for making me laugh from thousands of miles away. (Enya, sorry I couldn't bring you back a little brother Enya maybe next time ).
Mommy and Daddy, you haven't just helped me while I have been away you have been there for me my whole life. I know it can't be easy at times, taking care of three kids and doing everything in your power to give us the best opportunities in life . I speak for Orla and Enya as well when I say thank you for EVERYTHING.
The adventure isn't over yet though. Before returning to America I will be spending the next month in England visiting family and relaxing. I promise to keep you all up to date and as soon as I can get my brain and my fingers to go at the same speed I will write more about my adventure.
In the meantime, I was wondering do swans taste better than quail ?:)
Love and thanks always,
Niamh
