Angela deJong - Be Free: Mountains, Mishaps, and Miracles in Africa

Copyright 2021 by Angela deJong

First Edition

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Cataloguing data available from Library and Archives Canada

ISBN 9781771605175 (softcover)

ISBN 9781771605182 (electronic)

Design by Lara Minja, Lime Design

Printed and bound in Canada

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts, and of the province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council and the Book Publishing Tax Credit.

For my incredibly supportive mom and dad.

Thank you for having an unwavering trust in my ability.

Im sorry for all the sleepless nights.

Contents

Preface

FOR YEARS my friends and family asked me to compile my stories and write this book. With small snapshots of my experiences through email while abroad, I shared tidbits of funny trials and tribulations I had along the way, sparing them the scary details and the moments I knew would forever change me. These are not things you want to dish out online when youre thousands of kilometres away from home, travelling alone.

I had reservations about following through with this book. Part of the beauty of travelling by yourself is having special memories and feelings that are fully appreciated from your own perspective with no input from anyone else to slightly shift your initial impression of the event. I also understand that no matter how you tell a story, it will never resonate like you want it to. Then there is the added nervousness in having others ask innocent questions, or make judgments that could possibly taint your impression. When your memories are so intimate and meaningful, it almost feels disloyal to your soul to say them out loud.

So for a full decade I kept most stories to myself, never anticipating sharing them and being absolutely okay with it. These travel experiences are personal and I dont go for any other reason than to satisfy a draw so intense I feel like I have to. Even before I had ever visited another country, I contemplated why I am so compelled to embark on these journeys. Am I running away from something? Am I not truly happy? I feel happy, but maybe Im not? Is there something Im searching for? With every adventure it became very clear I was actually running toward the discovery and understanding of who I am as an individual. I believe we learn a lot about our character, what we are capable of and what we value most when we are scared, pressured and solely dependent on our own intuition. This is what travelling alone will offer. It provides the opportunity to grow as an individual physically, mentally and spiritually. Its terrifying, disappointing at times, liberating and addictive!

So, with all that, why am I telling these stories now? Something unexpected happened to me in 2018 that changed my mind. As the saying goes: never say never.

This book is a compilation of short stories highlighting some of my scariest, most embarrassing and proudest moments. I made some poor choices, took cringe-worthy chances, put trust in people often too soon and suffered a great deal at times when I didnt need to. Every bit of it was worth it. In return, I gained the gifts of resiliency, perspective and gratitude that have enriched my life and made me happier than I ever thought possible.

JORDAN, 2018

I WAS EN ROUTE TO JORDAN for another solo hiking trip. It wasnt until then that a conversation with a lovely woman on the airplane challenged my perspective on sharing my adventures. She selflessly told a personal story about her son who had a love for adventure similar to mine, and tragically went missing in the Rocky Mountains. For years they searched, but he was never found. Her story was heart-wrenching, but she told it with such grace. The intention she had in sharing her experience was not to leave me feeling distressed or discouraged from living my dreams but rather to give me some insight into what its like for loved ones at home to not know or understand what youve been through. I will never have my son back, she stated, holding back tears, but Im so grateful he lived the life he wanted while he was here. I tried to hold myself together while she continued on. My only regret is that I didnt know more about his adventures. He shared little comments here and there over the years, but never more than that. I wish we had documentation of all his adventurous memories to remind us of what ignited him with passion and to have a better understanding of who he was and why he insisted on testing the limits. We never discouraged him, and Im glad we didnt, but I never appreciated why he didnt want to go to Mexico and lie on a beach like everyone else. It took me some time, but I have peace knowing he passed doing what he loved most.

We sat quietly for a moment. I needed some time to process what she had shared. I also didnt want to be inconsiderate and ask too many questions, possibly stirring up more sadness. After a few minutes of reflection, the lovely lady broke the awkward silence. It is not my intention to impose, but you may want to consider writing your adventures down, if you havent already. I am certain they would inspire people. It would let them into a world that they most likely would never see. I know it would be one of the greatest gifts you could give your parents. It never came up in conversation that I had written books in the past or had decided long ago that I would keep my stories to myself. It felt as though she was looking into the future and could see something I couldnt. Her story and the way she told it resonated very strongly. I promise I will consider it, I said back, meaning it.

When we said our goodbyes in the airport she gave me a big squeeze and whispered in my ear, Watch for eagles. My son loved them and considered them good luck. And be safe, my friend. Listen to your head whispers, your gut feeling is always right. Her words had a sincerity to them that made it feel like she was saying goodbye to her son for the last time.