We have taken the kids, quite purposefully, on an African adventure that is not without discomfort. Hannah and Joseph are forbidden to brush their teeth without bottled water, and they must keep their mouths shut in the shower (no singing). They must wear closed shoes, brimmed hats and (this is a difficult one for Hannah, who loves short shorts) appropriately modest pants. There are no fast food options. We have white skin and we don't blend. These are not hardships, but they do require attention and flexibility, which are not requirements for a typical family vacation.

I must admit that this type of vacation gives me, the madre, a welcome purpose. My kids, both in their late teens now, hardly need me at all on any given day. However, here in the rural villages in Ghana, I am indispensable. I am the provider of the Purell, the sunscreen, the bug spray with 30 percent deet. Every morning, I deliver the malaria-preventing doxycycline. The kids let me do this, and it reminds me of the times they let me walk them across busy streets and adjust their bicycle helmets.

It is fun to take a journey together as a foursome under even typical conditions. I am grateful that this trip to Africa affords me the bonus, on top of the thrill of visiting the Hunger Project work with my family, the ability to be the mom I once was and perhaps will always be, to some extent.