What started out as an interesting idea has now become a full time obsession of mine. I'm so excited at the possibility of traveling to Africa this coming summer that I think people are starting to think I'm crazy. Cross Cultural Solutions offers many programs for volunteers and interns all over the world. I love everything I've learned about CCS so far. They really prepare volunteers through cultural and learning activities so that volunteers can have fun and also better understand the people in the area they're staying. I like the fact that volunteers stay in home bases and eat and live very similarly to the community they volunteer in. I feel like I'll be making a positive difference in the world even if it is only for 3 weeks. I know I can help through volunteering, but I also know that I'm going to learn a lot through this experience. I don't expect to start a revolution or empower an entire community, but I think I can hold a baby or play with a child or be there to support a woman through her vocational training. I know that I can be a friend. And I know for a fact that when you experience another culture first hand your life is truly changed. I don't think I could be happy with myself if I didn't try to make this happen. I know that I have something to give and a lot more to learn. I know that this is a once in a lifetime experience and I know that I have to go. The proverb above is very simple, but very true. If I can offer a little...maybe one day it will become a lot. If I can encourage someone, their small dream could become a great reality. The more I learn the more excited I am to actually go. Little by little, Africa is stealing a big part of my heart.
Below is a picture of a volunteer in Tanzania (CCS)
