Reflections of the Random Acts Tour

By Harold J. Cook, Tour Coordinator
Henderson Travel Service
3/31/07

Having just returned from a 12 day Senegal and Guinee West Africa tour, I was deeply moved when Juanita "BZB" asked me to coordinate the rapidly approaching Random Acts tour to South Africa, Swaziland and Senegal. I quickly determined that it was a trip I could not afford to miss.
This was a perfect way to continue my celebration of my 40th year of traveling Africa. So, within two (2) weeks, I was again off to Africa.

So we finalized plans, issued tickets, did the necessary conference calls to Africa, and sent the required emails. It’s great working with professionals and experienced travelers. It was also interesting to see the excitement of the participants, many of whom had not traveled to Africa, but they too knew they were embarking on a special journey.

BZB, being the special person she is, generated an excitement that became infectious. It grew throughout the tour.

As each day developed, wonders continued. It was all inspiring to see the reaction of people who thought of where money would come from for the next meal and suddenly, the vehicle door opened, out stepped BZB, and financial blessings flowed. We saw people who usually receive coins for selling their goods and now they got paper money. Many received, in BZB’s gift to them, more than what they would have made in a week. It was all inspiring to see how lives had been enriched, moved, encouraged and changed from this simple act. She always ended her comments with “I love you.” Some were so happy, they were closing their stands for the day and going home. Many of us were also moved to do random acts.

I was particularly moved when BZB purchased four (4) grocery carts of food for a family who had been orphaned with the death of the mother and father, causing them to reside with another sibling and her husband. The pressure on this family to provide food was lifted and other concerns could be addressed. Of course BZB’s aim was to help and she really did.

Now that I have returned home, I have often reflected on the trip and realized how blessed I was to travel with the “Dream Team.” My random acts continue and who knows what’s next.