In June 2021 I lost the person in my life that was one of the most special people I can think of. My great aunt was a person in my life that taught me no person is a stranger, a home is filled with love for anyone who walks through the door, and laughter is the cure for everything! My Aunt Susan passed away June 4th, 2021, unexpectedly. One week before she passed I was telling her I wanted to go to Africa. Aunt Susan was many great things, but one thing that held her back was fear. When hearing of my wild thought her response was "You're out of your damn mind! You're going to get eaten by a lion!" My response was a simple "You just watch Aunt Susan. Before I'm 30 I'm going to go to Africa."

At that time, I was 26 years old, and my aunt 79. To my surprise she never did get to hear of my adventures, but I know she watched me every step of the way. A sleepless night put me in a panic two years later when I realized I'm almost 30! I knew that I had to keep my promise, but who would be willing to go to Africa with me..? I took a leap and decided nobody needs to go to Africa. This was going to be something that I was going to do for me and Aunt Susan. I decided since I was going alone why not do something good while I'm at it.

 

After some research I found a volunteer organization based throughout Africa and a location that struck my interest! I signed up without much thought and before I knew it, I was saying goodbye to my family, friends, and America and heading off on my first solo journey to Livingstone, Zambia. To my surprise I knew this would be an amazing experience, but I don't think I realized my life would change forever. I found my Aunt Susan’s personality, love, and kindness in every corner of Zambia. I felt her there with me. Zikomo (thank you) Zambia, because you changed my life forever.

Here is where my journey really began...

 

I sought to travel to places that most of my friends, and family don't even think of, and sometimes haven't heard of. My love for immersing myself into cultures, and places that are wildly different can be overwhelming for most people. As a woman there's so many ideas of the world struck into your mind about danger from people who have an idea of places that even they haven't been. 

I'm a solo female traveler, I'm a budget traveler, but one thing I am not is someone who is going to miss out on the world and let fear hold me back. We all have the courage inside of us to take the leap towards what can change our lives forever. One of my favorite lines that I've learned to live by is "Don't look to the past, don't look too far into the future. Life is happening right before your eyes. Don't miss out on the now while worrying about what has gone, or not even happened yet."

 

Follow along with me as I travel the world by backpack and maybe we can all learn something together along the way! I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read any of my stories and I hope even you can be inspired to take the leap and explore some places that were once just a dream!