No matter how organised you are, things will still go wrong.
And by wrong I mean the Ebola virus, a deadly and contagious virus sweeping though four countries in West Africa.
12 months ago I decided to stop dreaming and start planning. I've always wanted to experience Africa, but with the absence of a big strong companion for protection to galavant around a somewhat uncertain continent with, I opted for something quite different.
I decided I wanted to choose one country and live and work there for a month, to soak up and understand the culture, while also giving a little back. So, inspired by my little brother who worked in Ghana last year, I signed up for a West African teaching program with International Volunteer Head Quarters.
For close to a year, excitement has been building. It's been 5 years since my last proper break, and here I am with 7 weeks paid annual leave approved. Finally! The trip would start with a friend's wedding in France (I know, amazing right?) followed by a brief 24 hour rendezvous with my gorgeous plus 1 who happens to be in London at the same time for a conference. Then, what I'm most excited about, 4 weeks posted at a school in Ghana.
It's just under 1 month until my departure and for the first time in my life, I am organised. My Ghanaian visa is in my hands, my police check has been sent off, flights are all payed for, my program is payed for, travel insurance - tick, train tickets - tick, passport checked - tick... Ebola virus.... Tick.
This virus has had heartbreaking consequences for the people of West Africa. There's no vaccination, no cure, and somewhere between 70 and 90 per cent of people who contract it, die.
Currently it's affecting Guinea, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It is not in Ghana. But it's close.
So do I go? I sure as hell want to.
I've been monitoring the situation closely. Flights to Ghana from affected countries have been banned to prevent the spread of the disease and currently the three adjoining countries are Ebola free. As it stands in my eyes there is no real risk travelling there today, but the situation may have changed in the month that stands between us.
I know that already some volunteers have pulled out of Ghana, and it breaks my heart to think countries that need help the most may be left with the least assistance.
Don't get me wrong, I have no medical background so if the virus were to enter an area I was in, I'd get out. I don't have the knowledge to help in that regard, so I would be more of a hindrance than a helper.
But teaching is something I can do, and until smarttraveller.gov.au or the World Health Organisation advises that Ghana is unsafe, I'm going.
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