It has been 5 months since I returned from a volunteering trip/study abroad in Peru, and ever since then I have been fairly certain that I would take at least one more volunteering trip. But where to? I was not so certain about that. The possibilities are almost endless and so many programs and destinations appeal to me. I searched and evaluated over the past few months. Coming to a final decision was very, very hard, but once I did (less than 3 weeks ago), the wheels were set in motion very, very quickly.
I decided that this time I wanted to put my focus on conservation, particularly endangered wildlife and their natural habitats. My chosen project is located near Kruger National Park in South Africa. I will be spending three weeks as part of a research team made up of full-time staff, university students, and other volunteers like me. The main tasks are to monitor and record data about the wildlife (mainly black rhinos, elephants, and lions) in game reserves near the national park, discuss our findings, and perform manual labor to help preserve the natural habitat.
During my project in Peru, I loved working with the children. So, I asked if it would be possible to incorporate assisting at local schools as part of my project in South Africa. I was told that I will be able to teach children once a week regarding conservation. Hopefully this ends up happening because I feel it will round-out my experience and enable me to learn more about the local people and culture.
To do the wildlife research, we will go out on game drives, which means driving through game reserves in the African bush and observing the animals. I would not say that I am naturally the type of person suited for this experience. For example, when a bee comes buzzing around me, I run away with my arms flailing about rather than quietly standing still and letting it pass. In fact, even some dogs scare me, and I am a dog lover. So, I am VERY curious to see how I will handle having no barriers between me and wild lions and leopards! Oh, and most likely seeing every type of huge bug imaginable...even in my living quarters!
The fact that I am not naturally suited for this experience is part of the reason why I chose it. You have to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in order to grow. In no way do I think this experience will be easy for me, and I am 99% fine with that.
My journey to get to South Africa begins tomorrow, and even though I have completed all of the necessary travel preparations (besides finishing packing), I am still mostly in denial that this trip is actually happening. I have never been to Africa before, or spent so much time in a place as remote as the research center, so naturally I am quite nervous about the whole thing. I think the "denial" is my mind's way of coping with the stress of the unknown.
I am supposed to have internet access while on this trip, so I plan to post periodic updates about the experience (which is also my way of letting my family know that I am still alive.) I would love to have you "come along" on this adventure with me so that we can discover South Africa together and see some amazing things!
A sign I saw yesterday while walking my dog in one of our favorite parks. This sign perfectly sums up why I chose this volunteer program.
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