Asante Sana, Africa

Since we arrived on this incredible continent just over five weeks ago, we've been welcomed with outstretched arms and friendly smiles everywhere we've gone. We've seen countless amazing things and had a plethora of new experiences, yet we still feel like our time here has been far too short. We could easily spend twice again as much time as we already have, and still not be at a lack for new sights nor frights, for joyous nor challenging moments. Africa has been an adventure around every corner, and we've seen and learned more in these few short weeks than we could have ever thought possible.

As we prepare for our final big leap (Asia!), we find ourselves, once again, reflecting on our time here and feeling grateful to all of the amazing people who contributed to it. Our most sincere expression of gratitude goes out to:

James, the cabbie in Lusaka, who was the first to welcome us

The staff and guests at Lusaka Backpackers

Rupert, Jason, Joe, and Ben of Kapiri Mposhi Top Rank Suite, the best classic rock cover band in all of Zambia

Tilly, Norman, Beatrice, and all the other bar patrons whose company we enjoyed immensely

Chris and Kelsey, for graciously including us in their plans and showing us a fantastic time

Jessie, who was kind enough to invite us to visit her village, even though we didn't make it

Everyone at Faulty Towers in Livingstone

Joe, for the ride back to Lusaka

Deborah, for starting such a wonderful organization and allowing us to be a part of it

Putiyei, for all of his help and support, as well as his constant positivity

Serianne and all of her incredible brothers and sisters at The Olive Branch, for welcoming us into their family

Caitlin, Annalise, Svenja, Maren, Claudia, Adina and Lindsay for all the good times shared (especially over Stoney's and Settler's)

Adrianne for her never-ending patience and willingness to help, and for taking such good charge in Deborah's absense

Kashu, for all his help (and especially for teaching Sean to dance like a Maasai!)

Daudi for making sure I was understood, and visa-versa

Humphrey, for his support, stories, and laughs (and also for setting us up with Moodie!)

Mama Tina and Bibi Illoma for feeding us and washing our clothes

Issa, Chiku, Mathias, Lucas and the rest of the awesome staff at TOBFC who keep everything running smoothly day-in and day-out

Abiati, Tusajigwe, Amina, Upendo, Tatu, and Ben for allowing me the honor of teaching them about Montessori

Everyone out at Mama Putiyei's for all their help and accommodations

Baraka and the entire village of Soluwaya for including us in their beautiful tradition

Mohammed, for taking such good care of us in Mikumi (and for spotting those lions!)

And lastly, Beda, for arranging everything and keeping us worry-free in Dar

A great big THANK YOU to each one of you for being part of our experience here. It's been an incredible month, and it wouldn't have been the same without you!

And as always, so much appreciation to our families and friends back home for their continued love and support. You guys ROCK!

And now, Chapter 3...