An update from Accra

Life is full of surprises, especially for intrepid international travelers. Overcoming an inauspicious start (delayed for a day in NYC) with ease and maturity, the group (13 kids bound for Malawi and 4 en route to Rwanda) rallied by playing get-to-know-you games and enjoying a glutenous pizza party at a Best Western in Queens, graciously enduring a grueling 11-hour flight over the Atlantic to Accra, Ghana (where they deftly navigated their first of many African-airport customs experiences), sampling West African dishes at a local restaurant at the Accra Airport, and through it all, managing to stay connected to Putney and parents with their voices and lightening quick thumbs. In a few hours, our journey will continue as we lift off to Nairobi, Kenya, to make our respective connecting flights to Malawi and Rwanda. Wish us luck.

As a Malawi group co-leader, I'm impressed with all of the kids. Despite the litany of travel surprises, they are brimming with positivity and adaptability, willing to allow inconveniences to roll off their backs, and eager to try to new things and expand their horizons (several ate goat and fried plantains today). I don't think that the delay has hurt them in the least; indeed, it has probably brought them closer together, creating a symbiotic chemistry that will serve them well in Malawi. When they're not singing songs in the airport (thanks to Rae for bringing the guitar) or asking me a question about language or culture, they're engaging each other in intricate discussions about topics of mutual interest, like politics, religion and (of course) popular music. I just like listening and learning.

And I'll continue to listen, learn and report back to you with timely news. Until the next time, take care and stay well. We'll be taken care of as we venture through the indescribably intoxicating Continent of Africa, where visitors are always welcome. As usual, it is laid back and chill - no rush, no fuss, no worries.

Mike