MY AFRICA—Changing Understanding, One Person at a Time

Africa. It’s a word—a concept—a place that has always called to me. But it only took my first trip for me to fall in love. It’s a love affair that is constantly renewed and energized with each visit. It has not only survived my travels to 17 different countries but it has been enriched and deepened through those experiences. In fact, one might call it a disease, with no end in sight—the pull that Africa has on me.

And what is it that calls me back and makes me want to share this with you?

Of course, there is the majesty of the animals and the beauty of the birds—and the great honor I feel to be able to share their lives.

There’s the towering strength of the baobabs and the welcoming shade of the acacias.

There is the shimmering blue ocean and the awe I’ve felt when lucky enough to see turtles coming onshore at night to lay their eggs.

There is the dignity of the people and their pride in their appearance. The women are always dressed in beautiful fabrics, whether going to market or using a small, short, hand hoe in a field.

It’s the sense of humbleness when seeing women walk for miles in search of the basics--water and firewood—often at personal risk.

It’s the joy Africans have of family and community—a richness not measured by materialism.

It’s the understanding of ancient civilizations--with their trading routes, ingenuity, and buildings still standing.

It’s the traditional ways of living and dress that are trying to cling to survival, and continue to offer the world a sense of wonder about the different way that human beings organize themselves.

It’s the smiles and waves shared with you no matter where you go, creating a sense of welcoming and happiness.

It’s my admiration of how people settle their differences—whether tribal or the larger societal challenges.

It’s the determination of the children to learn—in spite of no books, no electricity for study at night, classrooms of 75-100, and unskilled or indifferent teachers.

It’s the recognition that people must walk and/or ride buses for hours to visit family or reach a clinic—and they do it uncomplaining.  

All these and more are My Africa.

My goal is to have others see My Africa. I’ve been a travel agent for 20 years. I’ve developed custom Africa itineraries for clients, escorted groups, and organized two agent study trips to African countries through my involvement in APTA. I want others to understand the larger pictures of the continent. I want to help educate people on issues such as the difficult trade-offs countries face in setting aside land for conservation of animals.

My Africa is so distant from the image of civil war, rape, disease, and hardship—all of which exist, but none of which define my Africa.

My passion is to share My Africa—and one person at a time convince them to see it through my eyes.

Thank you for your time and for letting me share my deeply-felt love for Africa.

With warm African wishes—

Kathy Moroney