Not great timing but... Daughter going to Togo Africa.

[71T Targa]

My 18 year old has been invited to take part in a short term missions trip to Africa.

The details have just been finalized and they'll be going for three weeks right after graduation in June.

She's going with another Church family and they will be helping missionaries that are there full time. She will have the experience of a lifetime and I know she'll grow so much from this adventure. (And contribute as well)

I have to say I'm a little freaked out by the whole thing but know this is a great opportunity for her. Her life has been a roller coaster of experiences and she is very anxious to give back.

I am one proud dad!

[Scott Douglas]

Letting daughters go is hard to do at times.

I hope yours has a great experience in Africa. At least she'll be coming home after 3 weeks.

Mine married a guy and they moved to Japan where he's working as a civilian contractor for the DOD. He oversaw the refurb of the McCain after its mishap. We just learned their third daughter will be born over there this July. Their first two were born there as well.

[PorscheGAL]

What a great experience for her and you!! I look at a child having the confidence to do something like traveling overseas as a victory for the parents. You have not only raised a confident daughter but one that wants to give back. You will miss her and worry for her but hold your head high. You have a lot to be proud of.

[71T Targa]

Well, I hope she doesn't get married and stay. I wouldn't know what to do. LOL

To me she's still the little girl who, with her little sister, joined our family nearly 10 years ago through foster care. It was supposed to be a short term placement... we finalized the adoption almost 5 years ago now.

[LWJ]

Congrats! There is inherent risk in living. That is what makes it worthwhile.

If it makes you feel better, my wife and I voluntarily bought tickets to Africa last night for a friends wedding.

Safety precautions? Yes. Crazy risk? No.

[Ayles]

While i disagree with missionary work, my wife travels to various parts of Africa quite often for work and has always enjoyed it. Though as a vegetarian sometimes finding a decent meal is tough. Shes has never had any problems.

[71T Targa]

I can appreciate that opinion.

The mission where she will be serving is a hospital in a remote area 8ish hours inland. I believe we could both agree that is a worthwhile cause.

Edit to add:

[Cajundaddy]

Congrats on your daughter's upcoming adventure!

We were in Africa in 2018 and in spite of 2 government coups, we loved it. As far as health risks, the current data suggests that young healthy kids have almost no serious illness risk from COVID-19. It is far more serious for folks over 60 or with a history of other health issues. Malaria, Yellow Fever, and waterborne disease are a significant risk to everyone who visits Africa so prepare for that instead.

Best wishes for a great trip!

[pavulon]

How does health insurance work for something like this?

[GH85Carrera]

Africa is a better destination than Asia right now.

[71T Targa]

Thanks all!

I'm not too worried about her catching something like COVID-19. But a quarantine could change plans. She needs a series of vaccines to go including one for Yellow Fever.

I don't really know how insurance works in this case. Maybe some who's BTDT can chime in?

[vash]

my insurance covered all my vaccines. 100% no co-pay. couldnt hurt to ask.

some of them take time and have multiple doses. might get her started ASAP.

[71T Targa]

Yeah, starting that process now.

If I'm understanding things correctly, some can be given now, some have to wait until closer to her departure, and some continue even after her return.

[93nav]

That is not an assumption I would make, and by the time June come around......

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

Africa is a better destination than Asia right now.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I would be incredibly proud! Kudos to you and your daughter for stepping outside of the norm.

As for the overhyped virus, we booked a trip to Punta Cana two days ago. Just like every single virus panic this will blow over in a few months.

[Otter74]

That sounds like a great opportunity for her to broaden her experience of the world and see other ways of living.

Whatever insurance she is covered under now will cover vaccines - her doctor should be able to determine easily what she'll need. For insurance while she's there, if the organization that is taking her isn't providing insurance, then you should get her a travel insurance plan for her trip.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Exciting times all round, it should be a life changing trip for her in more positive ways than you can imagine !

[71T Targa]

With everything going on in the world today this is now totally up in the air.

While we haven't canceled the trip we're not buying airline tickets yet either...

[Arizona_928]

not like you're in a position to say no. gotta extend the genepool out of the kiddypool ...

[71T Targa]

I'm not going to say no, but the family she is going with may.