Life Changing Experience!

Before leaving for South Africa I didn't know what to expect. I would have never guessed I would leave with a new outlook on life. ISV South Africa was the perfect place for me because I love to travel to see exotic places, but I also enjoy volunteering for those in need. South Africa was just the place! The first two weeks were some of the most rewarding weeks of my life. The children I got to meet were children with so much joy and sparkle in their eyes. They were genuinely happy to see us each and everyday as we helped them refurnish their school. Some of these children had no reason to smile, but everyday, without fail we would see 100 children smiling and ready to have fun with us at break time. It is one of those moments that I think about quite often when something isn't going right in my life. Those amazing humans had that effect on me! I also learned so much about their culture through the outstanding leaders we had. It is so exciting to learn more about a culture that you have never been introduced to before. It was also important to me to learn more about protecting our planet. Volunteering starts with you. I am trying to make a difference in my life everyday to make this world a little better. That is something I didn't do before traveling to South Africa. What a humbling experience my first two weeks in South Africa were.

Let's just say I wasn't ready to leave my new little family after two weeks, but I didn't realized the amazing opportunity the next two weeks would have in store for me. The adventure tour was a once in a life time opportunity! I have never felt so at home with the group of people I was with and it was a time to do crazy things with new friends. Everyday I woke up to a new adventure. This was a chance to really get to see new cultures, new people, and new places everyday. I will never forget the quote from Back to Basic Adventures in Mozambique, " There is no adventure within your comfort zone". I lived by those words throughout the trip and I am still living them today. The adventure tour wouldn't have been as amazing as it was without our incredible tour leader. He was a great leader that gave us so many learning opportunities throughout the trip. He was also one of the most laid back people I have ever met. Without him, our group of 20 would have been so lost in Africa.

If you are looking so some of the best weeks of your life filled with adventure and humbling experiences then this is the right trip for you!
Ubuntu.