September 13, 2006
Expect Miracles
South African Angels
Before I can even begin to talk about my incredible trip to Africa....I have to tell you about Louise and Margot, the two who are responsible for generously bringing me and my American friends to the other side of the world and treating us like absolute royalty.
Louise puts together SOME kind of event, let me tell you. Never have I been to or even HEARD about a scrapbooking event like the one she puts on in Johannesburg. I could not believe the organization, the efficiency, the attention to beautiful and very special details, the pampering, the education, the inspiration, the entertainment, the shopping, the contests, the artwork that she provided to all attendees of her event and I was absolutely HONORED to be one of the teachers of the wonderful, gracious and receptive delegates who attended the event.....we all taught over 800 people over the 2 days of the event......it was wonderful!
And Margot.....OH Margot!!!! She is the ultimate travel and entertainment and hospitality coordinator....never was there an airport pick-up or bonvoyage, a driver arrangement, a dinner reservation or a safari that she did not perfectly coordinate with all the bells and whistles and very special treatment and care.......I can't believe the way she bent over backward for us....
And...they are both totally my heroes. I watched them pull all of this off with grace and beauty and a constant cheerful attitude....constantly making us feel like we were the most special people on earth....this was truly the trip of a lifetime.....and, I can't wait to go back....so, here's to YOU, Louise and Margot....the queen bees with your hive of miraculously effective team mates....sharing the sweetest honey known to man......I will forever call you friends and can't wait to see you again!!!
Then there's my awesome roommate....Annette Hardy from AMM.....oh, Annette, my new adopted sister.....she totally looked out for me from the minute we met in the Denver airport and I was totally drugged up on Dramamine.......she had to pick up my suitcase/hobo pile configuration more times than I can count and bungee it all back together....she totally put up with me.......and I love her.......I love her so much....
we had a total blast sharing our rooms in Cape Town and on the Safari and on the last few nights when we had our own room....I totally missed her!!!! We really bonded as sisters and she was one of my very favorite parts of my whole trip to Africa....you just never know where you're going to make a lifelong friend....I love you, Annette!!!
And...all of my travel companions...I miss you guys!!! We had the most incredibly magical trip starting from the very beginning.....and because of Becky Higgin's relentless asking of life stories and the question in my Instant Interview's book....we bonded more deeply than I have with my own family.....so.....Becky and Dave, Heidi and Ryan, Renee and Kent, Anita and David, Jessica and Joanna, Amy and Adrienne, and my buddy system buddy Annette....I just want you all to know that you truly changed my life and helped me figure some really important things out for myself, heal up some hurts and remember what life's all about.......I will never forget the time we spent together in Africa!!!
And...as soon as we all get done gathering the photos that we all took and are sharing....I will start posting them here and telling you all about the miracles of this trip.
I am so happy to be home and can't wait to get back into my blogging routine! I missed you guys!!!
Lots of Love
Melody
p.s. Check out Renee's posts about our adventures too...anyone else?
http://reneepearson.typepad.com/fertilepress/
