My husband’s uncle, mother-in-law’s brother, Champaign native and a man I feel like I just really met as he lived in Africa for most of my indoctrination into my husband’s family. Every few years he would be an honored guest and the life-of-the party when he made it back to the states in full African regalia—a stark contrast from the button-ups and pressed skirts that surrounded him.

 Listen as Mike reflects on unimaginable adventures in rural villages in Africa, claustrophobic flights, a reference book provided as health care, stream baths, meeting his future wife and the days-long process of marriage and dowry details. Mike also tearily talks about raising his three kids abroad and the regrets and tough talks surrounding going in and out of stateside schools. When I referred to him as selfless he scoffs at the label, but you don’t meet many people who drop everything to go make the world a better place. 

Emily Harrington, here! Mom, wife, retired communications liaison and host of the HyperLocal(s) Podcast. Each week I bring you a pod where townies and transplants share their tales of tears and triumphs, losses and wins. In an effort to provide a way for those that don’t want a public podcast, but still have a story to tell friends and family, I’ve created, In Retrospect: A HyperLocal(s) Project, a private podcast. Visit hyperlocalscu.com/in-retrospect

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