It really feels that way, it just didn’t happen in this lifetime.
Over a decade ago, I was collecting and painting things related to Africa-

A journal and a box of saved letters

A few of my earliest watercolor efforts, “The Blue Men of Africa” attempted twice, the second time with ink and watercolor.

Blue men of Africa in watercolor

Blue men of Africa in ink and watercolor

I scanned old National Geographic magazines for images that appealed to me:

A holiday card image one year

I’d love to imagine that these previous longings and efforts will prepare me for my upcoming Moroccan adventure, but I know better.  When I arrive, the sounds and people and activities can overwhelm me.  My best chance to feel like I’m “home” will be to find the silence: of the desert, or the Atlas mountains, or even just a quiet corner away from the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
The journal pictured above is empty.  I plan to bring it and fill it with words and images that belong in it.
I’ll start with the word “wonderment”, and continue from there.