THE END!!

As they say, "All good things must come to an end!" Though my African journey has done just that, my life changing journey will never end. I knew when I started this journey my life would never be the same. However, I really had no idea the impact four weeks in Africa would have on my life, my thoughts, nor my outlook on our American life style. There isn't a day that goes by that I am no reminded of Africa. Reminded of the smiling, beautiful people, the poverty and filth, the beauty of the lush green mountain landscape, the large number native animals, and most of all the amazing resilience for life the Africans have.

AS I look out my back door I am also reminded of climbing majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Realizing Mt. Kilimanjaro is twice as high, twice as impressive, twice as grand. Understanding all the topography, I also ask myself, "What were you thinking?" It all goes back to that attribute I inherited and have seemed to have passed on. The attribute of, "Don't tell me, I can't do it, because I will prove you wrong!" Good Luck, Tiffany & TJ, all I can say is YOU GO & GIVE EM HELL!

Going to Africa truly was and will continue to be, "A Life Changing Journey." When I started my blog, it was a way for me to journal this amazing experience. Not only for myself, but for my children, grandchildren, and my husband. I never dreamed my blog would capture the attention and interests of so many friends, co-workers, family members and even total strangers. What started as my journey became the journey of so many. I have to chuckle when some one says to me, " I have read your blog, you are so inspiring and amazing!" I take it all as a compliment and I'm honored that I have touched and or inspired so many. After all inspiring someone was on my Bucket List, so I can check that off as done.

I simply want to say thank you for following my journey, thank you for being there in spirit, and thank you for putting me in your thoughts and your prayers. To my family, I love you all so very much. Thanks for supporting this crazy idea, even if you were unsure and nervous about my safety. Though this experience is over and I will end my blog with this post, I have made a personal goal to go on a humanitarian mission every year. My thinking is, "Learn like you'll live forever, but live like you'll die tomorrow!" China or the Philippines here I come, and just think a new chapter in my life, not to mention a new blog for so many to read.

Faces of Africa

The many faces of Africa will forever be embedded in my mind. Of the fifteen hundred photos I took, these are several of my favorites. I looked for the unusual opportunities to shoot these beautiful people. Their eyes speak volumes of hardship, sadness, joy, love, and life itself. When looking at these photos I can smell the smells of Africa, hear the foreign language along with the broken English, the laughter of children, and feel the love they had for us.

Team February 2009

Team February 2009

L-R Back row ~~ Lynn-Dentist, Mary-AILC In Country Director Kenya, Norma-Dental assistant/housewife, Deb-Hematec and Sales Rep, Ashley-CNA, Leslie-Veterinarian, Mike CEO of Pier 49 Pizza, George-Plumbing contractor, Shosho -Founder of AILC, Marilyn-Midwife, Jill- ICU Nurse, Sana-Co-Founder of AILC, Lauri-ER Nurse, Emily-Insurance Agent/Student, Christine-Physical Therapist, Jody-Clinic Nurse, Kay-Middle School Student.

What an awesome team we were and will forever be.....

Last night Team February 2009, had a "Picture Party--Dip Party." It is a tradition when each team returns home, a few weeks later each member brings the photos they took along with a copy of a CD of them to share. Also each member brings a dip of their choice for everyone to enjoy. It was funny in Africa is sort of started as a challenge to see who had the best dip recipe. Knowing that everyone would be thinking of chips and dips, I chose to make a fruit dip, and took huge fresh strawberries for dipping. After all who doesn't like fresh sweet strawberries, especially if you can dip them for added calories....

Everyone was also amazed at my photos. The AILC Organization wants to redo their brochures, their video, and their visual aids for public speaking, using my photos. WOW! I am a little shocked, somewhat honored, yet a bit protective about my photos. The founders, Shosho and Sana, just keep saying, "Oh my what an eye you have for photography!" Sana, also laughed and commented, I remember you lugging all that camera equipment everyday, but now I am so glad you did.

It was nice to see everyone last night. Shosho hugged me and commented, "You clean up pretty nice." I took that as a compliment, and thought to myself, boy I must have looked a sight in Africa! I guess we were all pretty "plain" in Africa and seeing each other all day and most of the night just "plain" it is quite a shock to see each other when we get back to America all dressed up, hair neatly done, make-up on and smelling so nice!

One team member from our expedition said to me at our Picture Party; "I hardly could tell that is you Lauri, without your ball cap and your camera fanny pack!" That's pretty bad that we feel we have to do so much with our hair and faces here at home. Yet, while in Africa we had so much love and appreciation for one another and yet, we were just plain ole plain.

It's kind of sad that we judge others worth and status in society by their outward appearance, their make-up, expensive clothes and a stylish hair do. When what we should judge is the genuine person on the inside, along with the passion, and compassion they exhibit each and everyday!

Before our mission I know each member of Team 2009 had different expectations and visions of Africa. However, I truly feel after our two weeks in the poverty of the country this poem sums the feelings of the entire team. I, myself, hope that the touch of my hand, the compassion in my voice, and the hugs from my heart will always bring a ray of hope and happiness in the lives of those women and children ten-thousand miles away.

Human Touch

Ti's the human touch in this world that counts

The touch of your hand and mine.

That means far more to the fainting heart

Than shelter, bread, or wine.

For shelter is over when the night is gone

And bread only lasts a couple of days.

But, the touch of a hand and the sound of a voice

Sing deep in the soul always.

Wisdom Beyond Years!

A few days ago I had the pleasure of spending the day with My Little Buddy Brykn. It was so much fun as I have really only got to see him once since I got back from Africa and that was at the airport. From the minute I picked him up from daycare, we both had big smiles on our faces. However, there's is just one problem, Brykn still wants to know where his elephant is.... We played all day, inside and outside with all his toys. I explained to Brykn the kids in Africa don't have toys. His reply was "No toys, me will give em some of mine." Wouldn't it be so nice if we all had wisdom beyond our years, and we were all so willing to give to others without hesitation like a two and half year old. Brykn again made me smile when I was showing him a few of the 1251 photos I had taken in Africa. As he sat looking at one particular photo of two African children, he replied, "Oh my gosh that kid is black, him is so cute, me want to play with him!"

I am convinced the world would be a better place if we lived and loved like children do. As children see no barriers, have no prejudices, and consider another child, a child just like themselves.

Making a Small Differnce

These are the most recent contacts with Shosho and Sana, the founders of AILC. So nice to know I made a difference, though I feel it was a very, very small difference. My humanitarian efforts each day in East Africa sort of reminded me of the Starfish Story.

"The Starfish Story"

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The young boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”

*****

My Rafiki (freind) Lauri;

I can't tell you how good it was to see you in my inbox! I must admit it was a bit difficult dropping you off at the Kenyatta airport and watching you all getting all you luggage checked in.
You are an amazing woman Lauri! Over and over again I marveled at the beautiful, adventurous, strong woman that you are and how blessed we are as an organization to have a part of you with us. This LIFE CHANGING experience will never end and neither will the lasting friendship that we have kindled over the past few weeks.

Sana and I re-entered the world of abundance with excitement on our wings to round up our little flock and get all our pictures together but especially to get all our hearts connected back together again.

Thank you Lauri for being a part of us and for all you did while you were in Africa. I remember walking down the hall of the hotel in Nakuru with my arm around you and feeling of your strong character and emotional stability. I felt so thankful to know you and for the privilege to walk beside you for a moment in Africa serving those beautiful people.

Hope all is well with your family. I loved meeting all of them. Can't wait to see you.
Call me if you get a free minute. I miss you!!

Living the work;

Love, Shosho
Africa Is Life Changing

*****

Hi My Dear Lauri:

What a woman of courage and adventure. I don’t think I know of another person that could pack more into three weeks than you did. I can only imagine as you lay your head down on your soft pillow here in America the memories that flood your heart.

Thanks for your email and your Welcome Home it meant the world to me. We know the hard transition it is to return and fit back into the routines that call us each day. I find that family helps in this re-entry. I went with my daughter on Friday to a Kid’s Fest at the Sandy Expo Center and my mind was spinning as I walked past all the safety and awareness programs that they were teaching the children. Even the practical demonstration on buckling up when they are in a car caused me to stop and think of the children I had just left behind in Africa that walk everywhere they go. My daughter looked over at me and said this must be hard, and I said it gives me a deep appreciation for what my granddaughter has and a commitment deeply within my heart for the lost child in Africa.

Thank you for your steadiness in your service each and every day. It was your skills in medical that helps us through the trying experience of the young child. Mike talked often with me about how you went into such a discipline life saving mode that day. Your years of training no doubt came together when you carried that baby through the field to the clinic.

I also love the relationship that you formed with the women in crocheting and quilting. How they loved you being in there with them and sharing with one another. You always seemed to light up as you were coming out of that building, and I know they felt your love very strongly. Your hands and heart have many levels and I felt you give it ALL every day.

Love your heart so,
Sana

We Are So Blessed!

On the last leg of the twenty-two hour flight, I found myself thinking so much about the last three weeks. I had so many emotions, so many photos in my mind that will never be erased, not to mention so many butterflies in my stomach. I just kept thinking over and over again, "WE ARE SO BLESSED!" I was also thinking how sad it is that we take so much for granite, waste so much and simply have life so, so good. We Americans seem to have everything, and we're always wanting more, yet we appreciate very little. The Africans have nothing, want just the basics, yet they appreciate so very much.

Coming in to Salt Lake, I remember seeing the Wasatch Mountains and thinking, "I am home." I was so excited to see my family, that I, wearing my T-shirt that says " I Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro" ran to the waiting area waving my flag. They were a blessed sight. Buck and TJ had grins from ear to ear, Mom was crying with joy. Brykn, came running and jumped in my arms, saying "you home from Asrica!" Tiff, was so glad to see me and whispered in my ear, I Love You Mom!" What a welcome home.....it doesn't get any better than that!!!

Yesterday, was my first shift back at MV-ER, it was so nice to be back with those co-workers who I care so much about. Everyone wanted to hear all about my adventure. It was funny as everyone had been following my blog daily. Kathy Sparrow, called me on the phone just to say, you're truly a woman. I and so many admire for your bravery to follow your dreams, your willingness to learn phone technology just to keep us all in the loop, and to do it all with some very unordinary health issues. I love that I have so many friends in many different areas of MVH, and to hear Kathy's compliments was very touching. Dr. Egbert gave me a high five and said, " Great Job, but what will we do now for daily entertainment?" It was so fun to pull up the blog and see what you were doing each day! Though I have yet seen all my friends in the ER I will this week, I can't wait to share my life changing journey with each of them.

Now that I am back I have chosen to transfer all my journal notes and many photos into my blog. However, I will be putting them in chronological order, so if you choose to read all about "My Life Changing Journey," you can do so by starting on January 27, 2009 with the Party, Party entry.
Thank you to all who prayed for me, text & e-mailed me and those who followed my journey through my blog. I love ya all. A special thanks to my best friend, my daughter, Tiffany who made sure my blog was updated daily and put all the photos on the blog. Love ya Tiff. I am so thankful for such a great family and the best friends and co-workers ever.

Strangers, Roomates, & Freinds

Before going to Africa, I had met two of the fifteen team members. Emily and Ashley were part of the group who climbed Kings Peak last summer.

The other twelve I had never met until we got together to pack our humanitarian supplies. It was at that time that I met a stranger by the name of Marilyn Stewart. She was a nurse mid-wife and a case manager for the LDS Church.

There were so many differences between us. She has two masters degrees, I most definitely don't. She is LDS, I am not. She is sixty-five years old, I am fifty-five. She has six children, I have two. She is divorced, I am married. She had been to Africa before; I had not even really been out of the country. However, the first night in Kenya at the gross hotel, Shosho paired team members up. Marilyn and I became roommates from then on. As we sat on our beds we talked and giggled like a couple of young school girls. Marilyn told me all about her family, her job and why she wanted to return to Africa. I in return did the same. We both seemed to have so many differences, but yet so many similarities.

It was in the hotel in Nakuru, that we really became close, as there was one room for two people not a big deal, but there was also only one FULL sized bed for two people. It was a good thing we were both so tired that we were both glad to sleep closely on that full sized bed.

I will always have so many fond memories of the days and nights I spent with Marilyn in Africa. I got such a kick out of the faces she would pull at the thought of eating another PB&J sandwich. I cringed at the sound of her gasping when she was taking a cold and I mean cold shower. After being a mid-wife for forty years, she ran around naked a lot. She said she had seen enough women's parts, that it didn't bother her. ( I suppose she didn't think it bothered me either, after all if you have seen on butt, you've seen them all!) I will never forget her trying to ban-aid the window in the hotel shut so the mosquitoes didn't come in. There she stood on the bed in her garments with twenty ban-aids on the window. Needless to say it didn't work. So together we "Jimmy Rigged" it shut with my camera electrical cord.

Though Marilyn and I started out as strangers, ended up being roommates, and it two weeks, in a third world country we became really good friends.