Hakuna Matata......it's a wonderful thing!

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Hi everyone! I'm back!!!!!

(So, here's the thing - I want to get this blog post out to you before I get so 'backed up' that you won't be receiving ANY blog posts.....but I am having difficulty up-loading photos - something to do with 'plug-ins'.....it's all Greek to me! Anyway - I made a decision tonight.....it's getting late and I must be up at 4:15 a.m. to catch an early flight to Victoria Falls........we had a superb day today and I want to write that blog post, too - so, you will get the written story here......and to see the photos, you will need to log into Facebook, 'like' my business page and all the photos are uploaded there for your viewing pleasure. I'll get one of my tekkie colleagues to help me out with this some time tomorrow - so, for now - read below......and then go to facebook: http://www.facebook.com.steps2happiness for photos - Enjoy!!!)

And I'm in Africa.........yup .......me, the globe-trotter........in Zimbabwe, to be exact - and wanted to share this very special journey with you.

This is the 'Global Empowerment Journey', hosted by my business coach, Suzanne Evans (http://www.suzanneevans.org) - a small group of us are here, in Zimbabwe, to work with CAMFED, ...."on a journey that will forever change our lives and the lives of those we will touch. This 5-day event (a dream of Suzanne's) is designed for conscious entrepreneurs who are ready to play in a much bigger way and who are ready to turn their wealth and knowledge into opportunities for education and entrepreneurship. From intimate coaching sessions with Suzanne, to networking and peer mentoring with locals, expect this to be a culturally and spiritually enriching experience......one that will allow you to see yourself, your business, and the impact you can make in a whole new way!

Get ready to:

 • Create a legacy plan so your business has global reach

 • Have a specific plan to help more people

 • Collaborate with Zimbabwean entrepreneurs and network on a global level

 • Step out of your comfort zone and create the movement you were designed to lead

This isn't just a trip. This isn't just a live coaching event. This is a Movement in action!"

That's what this trip is all about - and I am excited, honored and humbled to be part of this.

On a funnier note, I had decided to leave early for the trip and head south to New York City to spend a few days with my good friends Kate and Tony. Well, Mother Nature had a different plan.

While I got out of London, (ON) in good time - I had to hustle to make my connection in Toronto - running sadly past Starbucks to the departure gate. When I got there, I saw that the flight had been delayed till noon - well, ok, then - time for some lunch and a latte!!!! Back to the gate - oh.......flight has changed to a new gate - time to hustle down to another end of the terminal........and.......oh, look ......flight is delayed again. By the time 3 p.m. rolls around, we finally are about to get on the plane. Meanwhile, my friend Kate has been away on business all week in San Francisco and is also flying into NYC today - so we can hook up. I am texting her the updates.

She then texts me a message - her flight has been re-routed to Syracuse because of the weather at La Guardia and, sure enough, we are now on our plane and sitting on the tarmac......and waiting.......because of the weather at LGA, too. AND, her husband Tony is also sitting on a plane, on the tarmac AT LGA because he is grabbing a flight from NYC to Toronto to come and visit his Dad. So, thanks to technology, here we are - the 3 of us - all sitting on different tarmacs, texting and waiting.........

After 3 hours, we're told that our plane is going back to the gate - have to change crews.........so, back to the gate we go. Oooops, now there is no ground crew - they were called away for a medical emergency.......more waiting......and then THE message no one wants to hear: "Ladies and gentlemen, we just got word - this flight is now cancelled - LGA is closed because of severe weather in the New York area!" Yikes. People are not happy. Big rush to Air Canada customer service counter to re-book (thank goodness I have a great travel agent - thanks, Fred - I get on the phone and get re-booked for the morning). Note to anyone out there who does Customer Service Training - Air Canada needs YOU! - Desperately!!!!!

(I get re-booked on a morning flight, get a hotel/meal voucher for the night and off I go. Tony's flight in NYC is cancelled - he goes home. Kate's flight is grounded in Syracuse - she rents a car and drives 4 hours home to NYC - ouch!!!)

Saturday morning - up and at 'em - sun is shining, birds are singing.........to the airport - check in - and I get a middle seat. What? I hate the middle seat! Off to the departure gate I go.........Air Canada staff are there - the 'mood' from the night before was evident.........I ask, politely, for a seat change and she looks at me and says: "NO!" (and that was all).......tells people in line to go sit down till the computers are up and running. Okee dokee......the lady behind me, who had been diverted from Montreal says to me 'at least you have a confirmed seat!" - Point taken! I sit down and enjoy my latte. Lady from Montreal finally gets a confirmed seat and comes over to sit beside me - I said 'well, if, by luck, we end up sitting together, I'll be happy" - and......sure enough! We are sitting beside each. Ok, then! AND......we get on the plane and there's another lady in our row........and she's from Zimbabwe! Say it isn't so!!!!??!!!!!! - thank you, Jesus! Not only do I get 2 awesome ladies to sit with - but both are entrepreneurs - both are delightful - both ask a ton of questions about business coaching......and I learn a TON about Zimbabwe. Happy Saturday!

Kate picks me up at airport - and after returning rental car - we have an OUTSTANDING day in New York. I love Kate - and I love being with her.

Up and at 'em early on Sunday........back to JFK airport and I head to South African Airlines. Great big plane - perfect seating.........and I will say that the staff of that airline - from the ticket agent, to the stewardesses, right through to Customs in South Africa - all #1 when it comes to Customer Service - friendly, professional, happy, courteous........went out of their way to be helpful. Air Canada - are you listening!!!????? Seriously!

Such a delightful, albeit LONG, day of travel to Zimbabwe - perfect weather - lots of great movies to watch on the plane: "Crazy Stupid Love" - cute! "Miracles' with Drew Barrymore - heart-warming. "Good Deeds' with Tyler Perry - absolutely lovely! and food was served - with real utensils.

Arrived in Zimbabwe - met by a lovely gal - all arranged by my awesome colleague, Sandy Salle of Hills of Africa travel!

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