Just two weeks until we leave! Expectation List

May 17, 2017

Just two weeks until we leave! Expectation List

When you're two weeks out, you can't help but begin dreaming about what will be. You imagine the sights, sounds, textures, smells, excursions, education, challenges, successes, and so much more. You begin inserting images and imaginary film into your daydreaming. Anticipation grows.

My expectations begin to build around these daydreams.

Here are some expectations I have for us all on this trip:

1. We learn about each other at a deeper level.
2. We become more independent and confident as human beings.
3. We take away life skills that we will be able to apply to different scenarios in our lives from this point forward.
4. We find new appreciation for nature and wildlife.
5. We develop a greater appreciation toward the people who's life work is on behalf of nature. And that we, in turn, begin to contemplate (or revisit) our own "life's work".
6. We find ways to thank and appreciate those who will help facilitate our experiences.
7. We better develop our thirst for learning as we encounter more intriguing things in this world.
8. We learn to problem solve challenging situations that arise. We become more confident as a group and as individuals when we successfully meet the challenges.
9. We make memories that will carry on later into our lives and create a common link among us that will never be separated.
10. We document the entire trip in a way that preserves the essence of our experiences.

And as I reflect on my prior experiences with Volunteer SA, I must admit that I am so excited for this trip! Here are some photos from Mrs. Smalley and Mr. Smalley's Cheetah Project trip with Volunteer South Africa. All photos can be found here: http://jjsmalley.wixsite.com/travel/south-africa