And the Journey Begins...

South African Airways

Holiday Inn Express

I can't believe that within 14.5 hours, I will be in South Africa! I'm about to board the plane at JFK International Airport. I should be landing in Johannesburg, South Africa around 8:20am tomorrow, June 1st! Prayers are needed as I partake on this journey of a lifetime!

I am ready to leave the Holiday Inn Express right now and headed to the airport! I was  a little nervous because one of the MHIRT trainees (ShaCoria) was not able to board the plane because she didn't have a visa. However, Swaziland does not require a visa unless staying for over 30 days, which can be applied for while in the country. Nonetheless, she was able to board the plane the next day!

Meeting J. Cole

As if my trip to Africa wasn't exciting enough, on my way to my Gate at the airport, I run into J. Cole! I noticed him from downstairs as I was heading in his direction to head to the terminal. His back was facing me so I wasn't entirely sure if that was him, but I did recognize his physique and beard so I was almost sure that it was him. lol. So I noticed that him and his security guard (I suppose) walked into a bookstore and so I walked in there with the director of the MHIRT Program, Dr. Pauline Jolly and come to find out it was him! I asked his security guard if I can take a picture with him and waited until he was finished picking out a book! Then he asked me how I was doing!? I tried my best not to act too surprised but I was so happy and shocked! Meeting him today was bittersweet. He asked me about my trip and he seemed pretty impressed by what I was doing. I didn't get a chance to ask him what book he bought at the bookstore, and I wish I did. :(

Dr. Jolly and J. Cole

Dr. Jolly thought we met "Jay Z" and so even though she didn't know who he was, she still took a picture with him too! lol. The other MHIRT trainee, Jessica, didn't believe me when I told her that I saw J. Cole, so Dr. Jolly and I were walking towards the terminals alongside J. Cole, Jessica saw us heading towards her directions and I took a picture of them. She looked super shocked!