Logistics and Flexibility

I had my first test to show whether I am really ready to travel to and work in an unknown setting. It all started with my commute across country to World Relief's headquarters in Baltimore, MD. First, the "red-eye" from Portland to Newark, a few commuter trains, and then the Greyhound from Newark to Baltimore. A highlight was meeting a man from Kenya, Henry, in Newark. He was also riding the bus to Baltimore, and we became friends looking at pictures of his wife and three kids back in Kenya (he doesn't want the kids to come here until college to protect them from bad influences), talking about growing the biggest avocados ever, etc...He even checked one of my bags at the bus station so I wouldn't have to pay the extra $5. Then he helped me get my bags to a taxi once I arrived in Baltimore...not until after meetings at headquarters did I realize one of my bags was the wrong one! I became aware of how exhaustion, loss of control, and the possibility of no clothes (and chocolate) could change my whole outlook. I also was distinctly aware of how my ultimate response could mirror my response to the unknown entities in my life. I had to let go. Fortunately, a World Relief staffer stepped in to continue calling the bus station until someone answered. The bag was found and exchanged the next day with the poor guy's bag that I took. One step closer to Burundi. Today I hopped over to DC to the USAID offices to hear the National Institute of Public Health in Burundi presentation on health organization and priorities in the country. Fascinating stuff!