All Aboard for Africa!!!

This Friday, I will be traveling from Cleveland to New York City, and then heading out on the trip of a lifetime! After a 14 and a half hour flight, my group and I will touch down in Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, we will travel to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre - De Wildt where we will be working with cheetahs, wild dogs, and vultures for the next two weeks. We will be helping with the daily routine, as well as performing tasks that the center doesn't otherwise have enough hands to perform, such as putting up fencing and clearing brush. Afterwards, I will spend a weekend exploring . . . more to come on what I'll actually be doing. 

To learn more about the cheetah centre, click here. 

After more than 6 months of preparation, I am finally packing to set out on this trip. Many things have crossed my mind during this process including excitement, anxiety, disbelief, exhaustion, and now, all I have to do is leave on Friday. 

What I'm nervous about:

• The flight - I've flown for as long as I can remember, but last year I had a terrible experience on an airplane. Since then, even thinking about flying makes my stomach queasy. My anxiety is already going through the roof, but I know it'll all be worth it once I land in Joburg. (That's Africa slang for Johannesburg. :p See!? I'm practically a local!)
• The trip, in general - I'm a huge planner. I like everything scheduled out to a T, but inevitably, when you're traveling, something is bound to go wrong. I'm praying for a smooth trip, but you never know...and the whole not knowing part is KILLING ME!

What I'm excited about:

• EVERYTHING!!!! Animals, Africa, culture, food, I'm going to experience the works. This trip is combining so many of my passions, it's almost a little overwhelming, but I am thrilled to have this opportunity. I will try to post regularly and keep you updated on all the Africa gossip. 

  TOTSIENS! 

(Goodbye in Afrikaans, the main language in South Africa)