On a whim, and all by chance, I was inspired today to go to Africa and decided that I'm going to make it happen. Wow. I'm already overwhelmed. There is so much to plan! As I have never vacationed as an adult (or out of this country, or with out my family, or by plane) there is a TON to think about. At least I know where I want to go. The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary in Africa. That is quite a ways from home in Chicago. The plane ride is about 30 hours and I've never been on a plane. I WILL pee my pants. Either out of excitement or fear, I'm not sure which one yet. My only problem is financing the trip. That is why I started a funding page (http://www.gofundme.com/comingtoafrica) and this blog to not only get the word out but to track the process for myself and anyone else who may find it interesting. Which is probably just me. But regardless of who cares, it is a once in a lifetime adventure for me and I am going to document it with blurry pictures, terrible grammar/spelling, and this blog. Are you getting excited yet? Ok, just me again on that one as well. Got it.
The plan:
* Coax someone(s) to accompany me because I'm a huge sissy who could never do this alone.
* Raise money from generous donors (they are the only one's who can make this possible).
* Get my first passport and a million other things for the trip.
* Beg my boss for two weeks off work (saving up those sick days!)
* Convince my mother that I WILL come back alive. No, I will not contract a disease. Yes, I will contact you in some way every hour so you know I'm alive. Yes, I'll eat well. Please stop crying, Mom…
Then it's off to Africa!
While I'm there (probably in October if all goes well with the campaign), I will be preparing meals and feeding the wildlife at the sanctuary, helping with conservation efforts, learning a ton, making new friends from all over the world, learning how to survive in the bush, and a thousand other amazing things that I can not wait to experience. I have my doubts about raising enough money but people can surprise you. And I love to be surprised.
I never thought I would create a fund page, or a blog, and just decide to go to Africa in one day. The monotony of my life these days is making me a little stir crazy. I need to travel. I need to visit places and do the things I always dreamed of doing. I'm tired of reading inspirational quotes about living life to the fullest and then thinking "yeah, easy for you to say". We don't all get opportunities to do the things we want. That is why I'm trying to make it happen for myself (with a lot of help from great people of course). Because if I don't try now, who knows what life will throw at me. Strike while the iron's hot! Grab the bull by the horns! Volunteer in Africa while you're still young and able! All our dreams need a little push every now and again. And I'm full steam ahead.
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