Leaving on a jet plane....

Africa is my reality.

My here and now for the past 8 months.

Tomorrow I head back to Indiana for the first time in 6 months, and I'm sooooo looking forward to seeing family and friends, Fred and the kitties, my spring flowers. My American reality. It has been too long. But I'm not sure how well the re-entry into excess is going to go. I live here almost like I do when I camp - I have what I need, and some of what I want. I like it this way. Simple. Maybe I can capture this simplicity in my American life.

Ama, my little African dog, is climbing onto my lap just now with her toy, wanting my attention. She is finally getting a little nervous with all the suitcases and my strange packing behavior. Molly, one of my friends here, is staying in my house to keep Ama company while I'm away, as will Julie, John, Magda, Felicien, Faustin, Schadrack, Leon, etc. Our little community is just that, community. I am so fortunate.

I'll have to stay away from the gorillas for 2 weeks when I get back - quarantine from being on an international flight. I was just getting to the point that I could get to 10,000 feet without feeling like I was going to pass out! I suspect I'll reacclimate quickly, but that first time back up the mountain is going to be painful! But worth it. The view from the top is amazing, and so are these guys.

I am leaving on a jet plane tomorrow, but I know when I'll be back again, at least for a bit.