A Quick Splash Of South Africa

Landed a few hours ago in "Jo-burg", South Africa.

Tired. Happy. Encouraged.

It is warm, muggy, almost sticky. We are in the midst of an African Summer.

My luggage arrived. I was quite relieved to see both bags in the customs area. One bag was once again opened by a security staff somewhere during transit, but repacked. Thank you.

My cab driver and I had a flat tire during the ride to the airport in New York. Pulled off a delicate cab-switch near the midtown tunnel in New York City. Slush and cold all about. Lots of conversation. Opted out of the opportunity to "spend a few moments waiting for the tire to be changed on the side of the road." Something about an international flight schedule that compelled me to continue my steps toward the airport. Fortunately, my first driver rolled with my suggestions. Switching cabs on the way to the airport an bypassing a large fare is a little like attempting to switch from dating one sister to another. Delicate.

At first, our flight take off schedule looked good. Then, as we increased the thrust on the engines, we experienced a "frozen valve" within some part of the plane's navigation system. The captain spoke about "safety first." His caution my have been lifted by the US Air crash an hour earlier from a New York airport. We sat on the tarmac for two hours. Lots of cramped, grumpy passengers. The hero was some guy in a giant black, puffy jacket who runs a big machine that produces hot air. I pondered his job title. "Director of ... " I suppose every organization needs one of these professionals.

Met some interesting people during the flight.

Travel seems to open up a world of new relationships.

A kind woman from Nigeria working on a mission assignment. We spoke about the power of community and her work with women across the world.

A geo-physicist from Mali. We spoke about plate tectonics, the evolution of "truth" in science, his first experience with research - a four month trip in the Sahara, and his mother's travel to the U.S. which included a broken hip. All part of the journey.

A couple from Manchester, England. They are on a three month "walk-about" and shared their thoughts about trekking and exploring in different regions of the world. They just returned from three days at a incredible international music festival in the dunes near Timbuk2 and a trip through the Dogan and other regions of Mali. Some day!

A twelve-year old girl from "Jo-burg" who went to the U.S. by herself to visit with her mother.  Her Mom is going to school at NYU.  We spoke about her trip and her aspirations. She had a charm and spark in her spirit that was quite memorable. In her mind, America remains a huge, open, confusing, powerful source of opportunity.  

Our plane stopped in Dakar, Senegal to gather some gas and a few passengers. The sunrise over the Atlantic was stunning. I will try to post an image I took from my plane seat sometime soon.  

If all goes well, I will be in Malawi tomorrow.

Tonight, I met up with Mardi, one of the passionate managers of the non-profit I am working with. She just arrived from St. Louis. At home, she is a community nurse. Her care and love for the people in Africa is quite inspirational.

Project Peanut Butter was born about fourteen years ago when Mardi and her husband, Mark, came to Malawi to provide medical support. It took about eight years for the program to begin to show transformational outcomes.

Mardi's energy is contagious.

...

Thanks to all who have written and commented on this rambling blog. Much appreciated.

Off to sleep.