I have flown internationally out of Washington Dulles more times than I can count. I always love coming to Dulles’ international terminal. It makes me feel like I’m actually leaving the country, not just flying a regional jet a few states north. They have the whole theme going with the flags and varied international fare to accommodate the taste buds of those who are either arriving in the country or are starting the long trek home.

I will be here for a few more hours still. One thing that I have learned after many years of flying is I would much rather be one of a few people milling around than making a mad dash for my next flight. It’s peaceful here this morning. None of the big flights have landed yet, but a few are getting ready to board for faraway places.

I am traveling to Zambia as an International Reporting Project Zambia Fellow. The International Reporting Project is a part of The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. I will be reporting on HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and how these three infectious diseases acutely affect mothers and children.