As a final Christmas gift, Garrett had invited me to Africa with him. Africa has been on my bucket list ever since I was a child, but I never discussed this with Garrett.

December was a difficult month for me. I was dealing with one thing after another, including a personal loss. When I received this card from him, it was at the beginning of January. My heart nearly melted, until I saw the dates, then it broke. The schedule for work was already made, there would be no way I could book those days off. Of course I just felt this was another hit to add to all the emotional stuff I was dealing with.

Thanks to one of my good friends, Yelaina, who I happen to work with, I am able to make this trip. She knew what was going on in my life at the time and she decided to help me. I had already prepared myself to be okay with the fact that I wouldn’t be making this trip, but she knew that this would be something I needed. Honestly, I needed a break, no matter where it was. Because of her, I am able to get away, recharge, maybe be myself again. I am thankful for having a friend like her in my life.

Now that the trip was a go, we had to quickly get things in order. Going to Africa you need to get shots. Just a warning, if you are planning to ever travel to Africa, budget yourself. The shots, and anything else the doctor may prescribe for you may not be cheap. Also, you want to make sure you are seeing a physician who is knowledgeable about what you will be needing. The woman we met with was not only knowledgeable about what we should be taken, and why. She also gave us tips about being tourists in Africa, especially what we should avoid.

Despite being a little nervous about going on this trip, this will truly be a dream come true. I only hope that Garrett is prepared for non-stop Lion King references while we are out there.