Guest Comment by Lynne Bratcher
Dear Deeper Africa,
This was our first trip to Africa so I was excited, but also a little apprehensive. I did quite a bit of reading before we went. I read guide books, and everything Karen sent me, as well as materials on the Deeper Africa suggested reading list. So I had certainly done my homework. But it was still so much more than I expected. Everything was so new to us, yet we felt completely comfortable and safe. We were just fascinated – and then it got better from there!
I found it so easy to relax. Before I knew it, I couldn't even remember what day it was and it was great, to just live by the rhythm of the day.
I'll never forget the tented camp on the hillside in the Serengeti. You could see for miles, the trees like an umbrella across the base of the hill. The sun rose just outside the door of our tent. The zebras were braying. And I was stunned by the enormity of the space, the sensation of being suspended deep in nature.
In the end, what impressed me the most was the people. I mean, that wasn't my expectation before the trip, but once we were actually there, that is what became most important. I'll never forget the day we spent with the Mwangaza Children's Project, the chance to visit children in their homes and schools. The children were so eager to learn. People were so kind. That impacted me more than anything else.
And our visit to the women's group was interesting, too. I felt honored to be a part of that. They prepared a meal for us and then they danced. Everyone was so graceful. And the dresses! Bold, rich colors that really had an effect on us-reds, purples, blues. Nothing subtle about it. Vibrant color. It struck me that people are so creative there. Art and music are central to their everyday lives, something we have lost.
I have a background in political science and law, so I was curious about history and politics, and our guides were very knowledgeable and open. I feel that I came away with a deeper understanding of people and power and how that affects a nation. Their culture is not focused so much on material things and it makes you realize on a person-to-person level that you don't have to be like us to lead a good life. There is a whole other frame of reference and another set of values to absorb and appreciate there.
Lynne Bratcher
Independence, Missouri
USA