Departure

Leaving my family and friends is probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Not only because I missed my friends graduation and my sisters 8th grade catillion, but the fact that I go to OSU and am from Columbus always made me just a phone call away. My extended family called me telling me how proud they were and that I was making history for our family as being one of the first to see the motherland. When I went to my house to say my final goodbyes, my mom fought to hold back tears. Once we all got her together she was good enough to take a family photo before I left. 

After a final prayer and last minute hugs and kisses, we were off to the airport. As my dad and I were wheeling my luggage to the escalator he expressed how proud he was of me, and I told him that he was my inspiration! My dad isn’t afraid of new adventures and new feet’s so why should I be? 

Once everything was checked in and we were ready to board the plane, my heart started to beat and thump faster than it felt the plane was going. This was my first time on a plane so the experience would be one for the books! ( Honestly, it felt like one big roller coaster). After we were in the air I felt like I could be a pro at this and begun my international travels and goals. 

We arrived in the Big Apple 🍎 and the airport was like nothing I had ever seen before! There were people from all over the world, coming and going and that is when I really realized how much bigger the world was! I was so excited but we had to move quickly (because 2 hours in JKF is 20 min in real time). We had time to grab a quick slice of pizza or 2 and then we were off to Dakar. 

12 hours later we finally arrived 

Checkout my YouTube later this week for inside stories and feelings on the Departure and first few days here in Senegal! 

Love you lots! 

-Jam