Teaching Abroad: Apron Strings

Notes from the General Manager by Diane Jacoutot

I know what your parents feel like.

My sixteen year old son left this morning for Tanzania to work in a village building a playground and then to climb Mt Kilimanjaro. I'm simultaneously anxious, bereft and proud.  It's a strange combination of emotions.

At first when he told me his intentions over a  year ago, I was bursting with pride. A travel group had come into his school and presented to them the idea of 3 weeks in Africa - a combination of community service and physical fitness... and my son took to it like a duck to water. Ha! I thought.  This is my DNA in action. (every parent loves it when a child takes after them in a good way). I have a son who sees the benefit of reaching out to help those less fortunate and also does not shy away from challenges. So I went along to the information session and signed the cheque.

But as time has drawn closer, and the reality of what he will do - literally climbing a mountain and then living in an African town where water must be purified and rabies shots are essential- has dawned on me and my parental danger sirens have been flashing red. The nagging questions - what if something happens to him? what if he gets ill? what if he forgets to take his malaria tablets? what about altitude sickness?  and a hundred others have haunted my quiet moments.  I have not shared my concerns with my son, though I will readily admit my husband has heard quite a few and thankfully he's a patient man.

This morning was T-day- The day he left for Tanzania. And finally my son's nerves got the better of him.  I found that by letting him tell me about his anxious feelings, they were instantly less acute and I shared with him how nervous I felt before I went to Africa and to various other previously unknown countries in my travels but how wonderful were the experiences when I got there. This didn't stop me from tearing up, of course, as my husband drove away with Matt in the passenger seat, going to meet the rest of the expedition but at least I held it together when my son was around.  I thought this was an accomplishment because what part of me really wanted to do was grab onto his ankles and not let him walk out the door.

I felt better knowing that in his bag, I put a little secret note. It was stashed away in one of the many pockets of his enormous backpack. It said:

Dear Matthew,

By the time you find this note, you will hopefully be in Tanzania. I wanted to let you know how proud I am of you for going on this adventure and for having the dedication to make it happen. I am sure during your trip you will face many challenges but I can tell you from personal experience that the harder something is, the more you feel a sense of accomplishment in having done it.  It is the hardest challenges I ever faced that I am most proud of having faced down.  It's not easy to remember that when you are feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted and you can think of nothing more instantly rewarding than leaving it all behind. So I am telling you now that you should persevere wherever possible. It will be worth it when you can look back and say, "Wow. I did that!".

All my love

Mom

ps. I hope I don't find this note unread in the bottom of your backpack three weeks and 1 day from now. It would be just my luck. :) 

pps. Take lots of photos.

So I know how your parents are feeling.  No, you are not a 16 year old kid going to climb a mountain in Africa. You are embarking on a much longer journey that will impact many more people and will change your life all the same. Just remember, when you are awash in packing, visas, flight changes, passport renewals and medical checks that your parents and I (and the entire team at Teachanywhere) know it's not easy.

But nothing worthwhile ever is.