"Jack, get ready! We're going to the airport soon," my mother called. I turned off the history channel, and sifted through a pile of needles and plastic gloves. I packed up my medical supplies and a change of clothes.
See, my parents are traveling doctors. They first met in the peace corp, and got married. Then I was born. Even though they had to drop out of the peace corp, they created their own charity organization that allows doctors to travel around the world, and help poor, sick people. This includes surgery, injections, and medication. When I turned 13, every summer I'd tag along, and learn about treating people. Someday, I want to go to Columbia and become a certified ER doctor. I'm now 16, and I've treated sick people all around the world, like China, Brazil, and South Korea. I mainly passed out supplies for people and volunteers. I've also given shots to kids and women. I even helped a woman in Belem, Brazil deliver a baby!
My parents said this year was different, though. I had to be more careful. They had gotten special permission from the government to go to the coastal cities of Somalia. The only way we could afford to bring all our volunteers and supplies is by taking a boat. It was risky, though, because pirates were capturing more and more ships in the area we were sailing. But the people there really need our help. My mom was against me coming in the first place. My dad backed up my argument, though. I had a lot of experience. I tested 96% in defensive skills in my state exams for becoming a certified volunteer. Plus, I take Swahili in school. I could do this.
I packed the rest of my stuff, and headed downstairs. My parents were waiting for me at the door, my dad looking proud, my mom looking a little scared, but trying to put on a brave face. We all piled into the car, and drove to the airport.
At the airport, we flew through security. We first had to fly to Florida to get to the dock were we'd sail off. It would be a long trip. We'd get there with 3 weeks to treat people, then get a ride to Egypt, where my parents and I would fly on a plane back home. We had to get there though with the volunteers, in case of an emergency. And my mother would never allow me to ride a plane by myself, even though I'm 16.
We got on the plane. When it took off, I watched the movies that were playing on the TV. My parents listened to cheesy show tunes on their iPods.
Once we got off the plane, we got a bite to eat at a Burger King, and ate in a booth. We took a taxi to the dock, and helped the other volunteers load up with the small crew. I didn't have time to say hi to all my friends, but there would be later.
Once everyone was on board, the captain gave the order, and we were on our way.
My adventure was on the horizon. Little did I know I would soon be thrown into an adventure much more dangerous.
