Pre-Departure

So.....I know many are wondering what exactly it is that I will be doing on South Africa, so here is a brief run-down of my time I will be spending there.

• This is actually my last class through the U of MN with the goal of understanding and shaping global leadership abilities, the official name is Cross Cultural Leadership Contexts of the AIDS pandemic.
• 17 total students, all different ages and travel experience, however we have same goal to be active and aspiring leaders.
• We will be living in what appear to be VERY nice houses near the University of Cape town, taking a few classes there, as well as spending a significant amount of time in a local township of Guguletu, where we will have a few nights with a host family.
• In the township we sill be working with local community centers, visiting child-run households as well as an AIDS hospice.  All of the students were asked to pack an extra bag with a variety of donations that we will be giving to the people of Gugletu.
• On top of the educational aspect we will be doing a variety of touristy activities, all of which you will most likely hear in great detail as we experience them. 

So that is a shortened version of a long list of activities and time that will be spent in South Africa.  There are mixed emotions among all of us students,  some are scared and unsure of our pending future, while others are so excited and open-minded that we can hardly wait to get on that 20 hour plane to the southern hemisphere. 

If you already have not heard me complain about the flight, I will reiterate the pain of flying to NY, having a 7 hour layover there, and then boarding a plane for a direct 19+ hour flight to Africa.  If there is one thing that I am not excited for it is that, but if that it worst then life is pretty SWEET!!!

I know that I have said it before, but I am so fortunate and excited for this chapter of my life to develop and expand.  Traveling is something that can be so enriching and educational, and really can teach you about things that the traditional classroom can not. I am looking forward to go with this group of students, and am afraid that I will not want to come home.

More then anything I am excited for the unknown!

Next time you hear from me I will be on the other side of the world!

Bon voyage