Rae La Soul

I spent 10 years fantasizing about visiting one of the most beautiful continents on earth — Africa, the Motherland. In those years, I thought being able to visit this place would only happen in my dreams. I was in this state of mind mostly due to fear — fear of travelling, fear of leaving young children behind, etc. And besides the fear, I didn’t make the most wise financial decisions back then if we’re being completely honest. I was much more intrigued by the material things that I could accumulate. Now, not so much. My apathetic nature to anything material possession that does not serve me and family or improve our quality of life is completely unmatched. Thank God for growth.

So finally hoping on the plane and stepping on African territory, was a bit surreal and emotional for me. As with any place, but this one being different because it seemed like the most unattainable dream besides home ownership.

It’s been about a week since I hopped on a plane, traveled for 20 hours, and set foot on South African soil. Africa has me so full of words and thoughts that I want to share with everyone, yet I usually don’t even know how to express them in a way that someone can understand the magnitude of its beauty. Africa does that to you — provides you with so much to say, but leaves you speechless.

This is a difficult post to write in a way, as it brings forth so many different emotions that I have to process. On one hand–I’m still in a state of elation and thankfulness. And on the other–I miss it dearly. I miss the feelings I felt while there–my sense of peace and a carefree life. Because now it’s back to the daily hustle, the routines, and the stresses of everyday work life. One day I’m going to find my dream job that is completely remote and be able to analyze data, create/streamline business processes, and set up systems while a gust of Capetonian wind strolls through.

I’m already planning on returning. A life goal of mine would be to step foot on the soil of every African country. To have a piece of every African country and their cultures in my memories and to also be able to experience some of these countries with my children. To ultimately raise global story tellers with souls that are filled to the brim with experiences from all over the world.

But until then, I’m thankful for every single second that I do have that allows me to soak up as much as I can while I can. It’s been quite the journey to get to this place in my life. Quite the journey, and quite a blessing!