Discovery Channel VS. MTV

As we are in the throes of deciding what to pack for our trimester in Africa, my 13-year old daughter and I have been having an almost daily conversation which boils down to: "Mom, we're not going to the Africa you see on the Discovery Channel; why do you want to pack THAT?!" Layla's daily instant messaging conversations with her cousin Amelia are more about the social scene to expect at the International School and the "Fajara Club" (I think it's a country club), while I'm envisioning going out to the villages or the poor urban neighborhoods to do tutoring, or other service projects -- like I did as an idealistic college student in the 1980's. I've found a website called www.bitesandstings.com and ordered heavy-duty anti-mosquito "Permethrin" for spraying on clothing, drinking water tablets for when we're parched and out in the bush, sting-eze, and controlled-release all-day sunblock. I'm packing clothing that will wash and wear well and that we'll give away at the end of our stay. Layla (and her 11-year old sister, Anisa, who is just as -- or more -- fashion-conscious) plans to take her Abercrombie- American Eagle wardrobe.

I think they need closed-toe shoes that wear well in the omni-present, thick, red dirt that I remember from 15 years ago, and they want to take their super lightweight (and expensive) Pumas and summer essentials, flip-flops. I'm worried that parasites on the ground can get into their feet, and they insist that Amelia's I.M.'s indicate this is not an issue. Again, "we're not going to Disovery Channel Africa!"

At the core of these debates is a feeling I am desperately trying to fight; which goes against my grain as an "internationalist:" WORRY about exposing my children to the unknown in a developing -- poor -- country. My core belief is in the Oneness of Humanity and in adapting to our surroundings. At the same time, my first instinct is to protect my children. So, I'm aiming for a happy medium in packing our suitcases, more like The Learning Channel meets Comedy Central...