I’ll be coming back home as a forever changed person…

Dear Shine, D, Hendrik, Victor, and the rest of the IA staff,

I wanted to send you all a letter before I leave African soil (depressed as I am to have to return to the U.S). As always, Africa welcomed me, but this time I’ll be coming back home as a forever changed person more connected to and more grateful for this incredible planet we live on.
I have been to Africa for work over the years and have never taken any time for myself—always rushing back home, saying I didn’t have the time or the money to do anything fun or adventurous, or that I needed to get home to my kids, etc. This time around I decided to take the plunge—when Lisa asked me if I’d be interested in tacking on a safari to the end of our work trip to Zambia, I jumped at the chance. She handled all the details since I’d never done this before and we narrowed it down to Imagine Africa and two other lodges. To say the universe pointed us in the right direction coming to you, is an understatement.

My experience with you at Imagine Africa was one of the best in my entire life. And that is not hyperbole. It was everything—incredible, amazing, joyful, heart-opening, blissful, educational, magnificent. And even then, I feel they are not the right words or enough words. There is much to be sad and anxious about in this world, and, quite frankly, living in the U.S right now is challenging for a multitude of reasons. But being with you all brought me hope that there are really good, passionate people out there caring for this planet and us humans.

Victor and Hendrik:
It was an absolute and true pleasure to be in your presence, seeing you work, and witnessing your incredible connection to the animals and the Earth. I have never been more in awe of anyone than when I was with you both on our drives. Victor, you are so talented and I will never forget the joy on your face when you found the leopard. It will live rent-free in my brain forever. Watching you work is something I could never describe to someone who hasn’t witnessed it! You are beyond impressive. I hope this work fills you up always, as much as it did for me in only 4 days.

Hendrick, thank you for sharing your many amazing talents with us, your journey and being inspired by your grandfather, your passion for keeping animals safe and your deep, deep knowledge of the animal kingdom. It was astonishing and humbling to be in your presence and learn from you. Thank you also for letting me be your co-pilot (although I think it’s clear that I should keep my day job), helping us check off the animals in our book, and fielding the millions of questions we had….I assure you, we have many more! You and Victor make an amazing team—watching you both work together was a true highlight and delight for me. It’s worth repeating that I felt truly privileged to be in your presence and know that I am a better human because of it. With deep gratitude.Orlando—you gave me a taste of South African cuisine I will never, ever forget. Everything was special and incredible. And thank you for sharing your rusk recipe. I will try and do it justice!! (I also took some for the plane and already ate it!)

Shine, D, and Gary—thank you for taking care of us, your wonderful hospitality and deeply thoughtful touches, and making this a birthday and year that I could never forget.

You are all extremely talented, kind, and generous humans. The world is a better place because of you. Of this I’m sure. Hopefully the universe brings me back to you one day, but if not, know that someone in tiny Middlebury, Connecticut will always have you in her heart

With love, affection, and deep respect,
Sara Sykes