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Africa Bound

posted on April 5, 2012

Long time readers might remember that I was suppose to be in Kenya last month helping teach a class on entrepreneurship.

Due to some unrest, the government officially postponed the trip.  While I still hope it happens some day, when I got the news I assumed I might never make it to Africa.

I’ve got a permanent case of wanderlust. There isn’t a location on this earth that I wouldn’t want to see in person. To smell the air. Taste the food. Meet the people. Those experiences are what I live for.

But, then last week a bit of magic happened and in two weeks I’ll be boarding a plane for Africa and I’m super excited to tell you why.

On April 26th, Ghana will become the first GAVI-eligible country to rollout two new vaccines at same time. They will be pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines, which will save thousands of children’s lives.

As a guest of The GAVI Alliance, ONE has invited me to come along for the journey to be part of this historical announcement and see how their efforts are changing lives on the ground. The White House credits ONE (ONE’s supporters, volunteers and moms) with successfully pushing for the multi-year $450 million pledge of commitments to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI).

Watch this beautiful video to learn more about what is happening.

I’m not sure I can fully express how thankful I am that ONE approached me with this opportunity. While getting seven shots last week was less than fun, I’ve already forgotten them and am getting filled with excitement as I think about the week I’ll spend there and what stories I’ll be able to capture and share.

Last year when the #ONEMOMS program brought some of my friends to Africa, I followed along on their journey.

The above photo was taken by Karen Walrond who was on that trip and who shared all the beauty she discovered along the way. I remember sitting here at home dreaming of going on a trip like that someday. Now, it is a reality.

You’ll be able to follow along on my journey to Ghana as I’ll be sharing as much as I can across all of my channels, but there will also be updates daily to http://one.org/blog and http://facebook.com/one as well.

Thank you ONE for having me be part of something so important and so special.

Africa, here I come!

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Categories: Announcements / Travel
  • Redneck Mommy

    So awesome for you! Congratulations C.C!

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Thank you. I have a feeling it is going to change my life in ways even I can’t imagine.

      I’m so honored they asked me to be part of this.

      • http://www.davedelaney.me/ Dave Delaney

        I think so too :)  

  • http://adam-jackson.net adamjackson

    Hi. We haven’t spoken in a while but my work is doing some things in Ghana and I’d like to know more about the current state of affairs. After you return, can we chat for 15 minutes and I pick your brain? I’d really appreciate it.

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Sure?

      That is a bit of vague question, but happy to chat when I return.

  • http://www.danpatterson.com/ Dan Patterson

    So stoked for you – this will be an incredible trip, CC!

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Thanks buddy.

      Some day you and I will set off on a great adventure together. I know it.

  • http://www.purplestripe.com/ LynetteRadio

    This is EPIC. What are you going to be doing on your visit? Documenting? Interviewing? Photographing? WOW. WOW!!!!

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      All of the above :)

  • http://twitter.com/herbadmother Catherine Connors

    I’m in Africa right now (for the second time – and I had hoped to do this ONE trip as well, but work schedule got in the way), and I can tell you – it WILL change your life. And your heart, and your soul. ENJOY.

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      I’m looking forward to that and what it means for my future.

      When you return I’d LOVE to talk to you about how you’ve been staying connected and sharing so much. All the photos and updates have been a blast to follow along with.

  • http://twitter.com/Rodenberger Bine

    Great news! Africa is a magical place. So many different places though, but Ghana will be a super experience for you I am sure. Enjoy it and spread the love :-) )

  • http://www.davedelaney.me/ Dave Delaney

    Amazing news! I’m terribly excited for you C.C.
    There are few things I love more than to travel, yet I don’t do it nearly enough these days. That will change though. I especially want to travel with my kids, so that we can teach them all about the world. Were it not for a taste for travel, I wouldn’t have traveled to Ireland back in 1998. It was that trip where I met Heather. My life has been amazing ever since. We owe it to ourselves to escape the mundane and see the world. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
    Have an incredible trip! 

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Thanks buddy. I really want to do some global travel with my kids as well. I believe it would be good for them and something I never had a chance to do growing up and still really haven’t seen that much outside of North America.

      • http://www.davedelaney.me/ Dave Delaney

        One step at a time, but now that you’ll have Africa under your belt, you’ll be able to better plan a visit with all of the Chapmans one day. 

        I believe international travel is among the most important things we can do in our lives. It’s not easy to achieve as we get older with more responsibilities, but we need to find a way. “I” need to find a way. ;)

        This is why I always tell young people to GO! 

  • http://www.facebook.com/macjordangh Mac-Jordan Degadjor

    Look forward to meeting you when you arrive in the motherland. Keep up with the great job, you’re doing. 

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Thank you. I hope our paths cross!

  • http://del.ourordinarylife.com Del The Dad

    I lived in Nigeria for a year, and knew a few people from Ghana. They were great people. No matter of all the problems, and I mean problems that many Americans will never see or even know, they just seemed to be positive. I dont think people can realize or even respect what I mean, but it makes one feel incredible. I dont know how to explain it, but I think you will understand what I mean after your visit. I miss that attitude. Do good things for great people!

  • http://tedrubin.com/ Tedrubin

    So amazing CC. Have an awesome trip and make sure to keep us filled in. Looking forward to your updates and photos.

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      You know I will.

      Every day I think I get more and more excited about this trip.

  • http://www.facebook.com/SugarJones Cinthya Jones

    I loved following the last trip to Africa. I’m so excited to follow you this year! How incredible for you. Looking forward to your thoughts and, of course, your flickr stream. :)

    • http://www.cc-chapman.com/ C.C. Chapman

      Yes there will be lots of photos.

      Instagram is where I’ll be posting a lot from the field.

  • tbwynne

    I can only imagine what this once-in-a-lifetime experience will be like. Well done!

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  • Jeannine

    What a remarkable year it has been since you wrote this post. You have inspired so many through your posts, your book, your words. Ghana was a magical place, made all the more so because you were on the trip with us. And because you have used your voice to tell the stories of the people we met you have had a tremendous impact on more people than you can even know.