Getting Ready for Africa!

When I started graduate school I made a promise to myself. I wanted to have the best experiences possible regardless of money. So last January when the opportunity to go to South Africa presented itself I jumped on board. That was 6 months ago. I can’t believe I am leaving tomorrow!

This is going to be the most amazing experience! I will be attending the International Association of Schools of Social Work conference. Here I will get to attend workshops addressing issues that plague most countries. I will also be doing some site visits. This is very exciting for me. I cannot wait to see how another country addresses social issues. Nonprofit work has always been of interest to me and this is a dream come true to see it in another country. I will also be visiting Cape Town for a few days. Here I will get to be a tourist – shopping in the small markets, visiting the beaches, and other things. Then we are going to a 3 day safari. How cool! The cabin we are staying in over looks a hippo pond. Finally we will be heading back to Johannesburg to do some more site visits and then back to the states.

The flight over will take 14 hours to get to Dubai and then another 6 hours to Johannesburg. We have several flights in South Africa to tour the country and a 2.5 hour bus ride to the game reserve. I have lots of time to fill and hope to do some self exploration during this time. I am bringing several books and movies, but I want to use most of that time to think about what I want with my life.

This is a once in a life time opportunity. I want to thank everyone who has made this trip possible. I have a feeling my life is about to change!