From Here to Africa
Above: Congolese Moambe and Kale, Tunisian Shakshuka, Mozambican Piri-Piri Chicken, Ghanian Peanut Chicken, Zimbabwean Stew and Sadza, Ethiopian Doro Wat and Injera. Recipes on blog.
After my last post I thought I would expand more on Andrew and I’s upcoming adventure to Africa. One week ago today I submitted my Honor’s Thesis Proposal to Brigham Young University (BYU) – The Innovator’s DNA in Identifying and Training Agricultural Leaders in Malawi Africa. My Honor’s Thesis came as a surprise to me, but looking back now I see how God knew all along. Let me explain.
Exactly two years ago I was set on graduating BYU with a nutrition, photography, and developmental biology major. Yes, I know impossible, but at the time I believed I could complete all three. I was afraid of missing out on any opportunities BYU had to offer me.
As I became more involved in the nutrition program, I was given with the opportunity to go to Malawi, Africa and research the nutritional deficiencies in children. Without hesitation I applied and was accepted into the program but I didn’t end up going. God had other plans for me. Shortly after I was accepted to the Malawi program, I was introduced with the opportunity to study a summer at Oxford and Cambridge. I set the goal to study at Oxford University when I was only 13 years old. The decision had already been made.
That summer opened my eyes to the power of a diverse education. My experiences in England inspired me to pursue social innovation. When I returned to BYU I became an Honor’s Student and focused my studies on business strategy and international development.
The road since then has been one of adventure, learning, and lots of writing. I never imagined I would be a writer, but I have found that the joy that beautiful writing can bring to an author is addicting. My Honor’s Thesis came into fruition as I combined my education in organizational leadership and strategy with my love for social innovation and nutrition. My research is focused on understanding the traits that make agricultural leaders successful, so that community health in Malawi can be improved.
Andrew and I will fly to Africa in the beginning of May. We will be based in the Malawian capital of Lilongwe, hosted by NuSkin’s agricultural extension program, the Force For Good Foundation. During our 16 week stay we will have the opportunity to travel from Kenya to South Africa and experience the diverse peoples, cultures, hardships, and beauties that Africa has to offer. All of our experiences will be documented on here. Stay tuned!
