Today marks the opening of a new chapter in the Badger’s life. I’m at my Delta Airlines gate in Seattle waiting for my 1:25 pm flight to Amsterdam, followed by my final flight to Kilimanjaro.
Those of you who have followed my adventures starting with my successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro last September know that I fell in love with Africa and have traveled extensively there since. I can no longer resist the pull Africa and Kilimanjaro are exerting on me, nor can I ignore the unhappiness and disquiet I feel when in the United States. I belong in Africa. I am mswahili (Swahili person). Thus, I await my flight to a new life.
Of course, it is very difficult to leave my family behind. I had a tearful goodbye in particular with my cats and dear, sweet Rambo. All of us were restless last night. Here is my sweet dog saying goodbye to his mama:
I don’t know what my future holds. I’m simultaneously terrified and exhilarated. But what I do know is what my heart clearly says: return to Africa and stay. And return I shall. I will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport Sunday night at 8:40 local (Africa) time on KLM. OH, that reminds me. Allow me to digress for one moment to bitch about KLM:
BADGER TO FLIGHT ATTENDANT IN AMSTERDAM: “Umm, WHAT?!? You don’t have wifi on this airplane? This Boeing 777 long-haul 8-hour plus flight to Africa? Are you freaking kidding me?!? }#*^##!!!!!!”
FLIGHT ATTENDANT: “No ma’am, I’m sorry but you will have to enjoy the crappy movies on the onboard “entertainment” system.”
BADGER: “Allrightythen, bring me a 5th of vodka and step away!”
Sigh. My plan for the next 24 hours is to eat and sleep on the first flight and stay awake for the final leg to Kili. Then by time I arrive at my Airbnb, I should be ready to sleep. Shit, I haven’t even recovered from the jet lag from my last trip. Hopefully I will adjust quickly.
In closing, my Kili adventure drastically impacted me. I have lost about 37 pounds and have a very different life perspective. I want these things: simplicity, comfort, adventure, freedom, friendship, and love. I want to give of myself to others. With those elements, I will happily exist in Africa. Unless I get malaria from those damned mosquitoes, in which case… ??? Perhaps I will make a bold fashion statement and just start clothing myself in mosquito netting. The mbu (Swahili for mosquito) for some reason savor the taste of Badger blood. So until I can figure out a way to change that, I’m going to have to figure out how to keep them away from me. DEET doesn’t seem to deter them from the sweet nectar flowing through my veins. ?
Please connect on my posts, as I love hearing from you. Kwaheri, USA, and jambo Tanzania.
Badger out.
Stephanie,
I am just seeing this and so proud of you for following your dream and passion.
I would love to live abroad but now have my first grandchild on the way, due to arrive in February.
I am very involved in my church and hope to travel abroad to make a difference. That is my passion, is to make a difference in this crazy world of ours.
But for now I would love to stay in touch and live through you vicariously.
Thank you for being an inspiration to all if us, that it is ok to follow your dreams.
Sincerely,
Jolene
Come visit! I would love to see you!
You are now on my to visit list. So where is it that you live exactly? What route would I have to take? I would be coming from Houston. 😊 I would love to see you. Been way too long my sweet friend.
I’m in Arusha Tanzania. Just look up flights from Houston to JRO, and you can get here no problem. Delta:KLM has the easiest connections, but Ethiopian is usually cheaper. Come!!
I was just reading on Ethiopian airline and heard good reviews. When is a good time to visit?
WAHOO!!!!!!!! I just read your post; I’m excited for you beyond all reason. I understand your feelings of unhappiness and disquiet – given my druthers I’d move my family to New Zealand tomorrow. Since schooling and health insurance won’t let allow me to make good on that, I’m trying to combat those feelings by being “policitical” for the first time in my life, mainly to be a role model for my kids. I hope (and have to believe) my kids and their friends will be the guiding lights that bring us back to a better country we WANT to live in. Until then, I shall live vicariously through you and smile when I think of you in netting. xoxo
Wonderful!! Enjoy this new chapter in your life to its fullest. Take care and keep posting your adventures!
WOW, Stephanie AKA Badger! I’m thrilled at your courage and adventuresome spirit. Go for it! Wish I were younger and could do the same!! Susan
How incredibly exciting! I wish I’d had the chance to say goodbye before you left, but I hope this is the most wonderful adventure for you. Good luck and good wishes being sent your way!
That’s exciting and surprising, but maybe I shouldn’t be surprised after having moved to the Philippines for a few years and after my sister moved to Korea indefinitely. I can’t want to read about your adventures!
You are truly amazing! Here’s to the next big adventures in your life. Did you take any of your instruments with you? Picc perhaps? Small and easy to carry 🙂
Thanks, Candy! No instruments yet for lack of luggage space, but I will have them shipped when I get settled. Take care.
Wow.
This is unbelievable !
Holy S**t! You are very courageous to actually follow your heart. Not many people even know what they want in life and when they find it, very few have the courage to act on it.
I wish you love , a real life, and happiness. I’ll be following your blog.
I’m sure we will see each other again.
xosue
Well, I love my life out here on my island in South Korea, and I’m absolutely thrilled for you right down to the tips of my toes. Life is just too short to not follow your dreams! I can’t wait to hear more about your adventure, and I hope I can visit you too!
“The purpose of life is to live it,
to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
Happy New Year!!
Love this, Heidi. Perfect. Asante sana.
I am SO PROUD OF YOU! I’m sorry that I can’t see you more but perhaps this is a sign that I need to return to Africa. Please keep me in your loop. We have just begun our friendship and I think we are going to go places. Thanks for all you’ve done for our shared cause and please, don’t give up your music!
Lynn, please do visit!!!
So now I have to come to Africa to have lunch with you? Geesh I go to CA for a few months and life changes happened! Keep in touch my friend!!
By all means, come visit! I’ll feed you ugali.
Keep in touch girl!! I want to hear of your new adventures!! Cheers!! Jenny
Let us know when you arrive and keep us posted.
Love,
Mom
Thanks, Nick. I always love hearing from you. Take care.
Wow!! Huge changes. My nephew moved to Nkomazi South Africa to start Imagine Scholar. He loves it and is working towards citizenship.
I’m amazed at your huge life changes and wish you all happiness. I’ll be subscribing to your blog so I can keep updated.