For many years I have dreamt of travelling and volunteering, helping out communities that could really use some love and nurturing. I had always planned to take a gap year after high school and set off to save the world! However, life took over and my dreams of helping communities and wildlife had to be put on hold… Until now!
In March of this year an energetic and passionate dude from an organisation called International Student Volunteers (ISV) came into one of my lectures at university raving about these amazing opportunities to volunteer in many different countries around the world. I was automatically captured and thought, “I can do this, what’s stopping me?” The next step was to decide where I wanted volunteer and for me the decision was so obvious! SOUTH AFRICA!
I was born and raised in South Africa; therefore the country holds a very special and precious place in my heart. I have difficulty putting into words the love and passion I have for this country, it holds and keeps safe many of my most warm and fondest memories. It would bring me much happiness to do whatever I can to help this beautiful land, its wildlife and its people.
The last time I travelled back to South Africa, in December 2007, I went with my family to a place called Soweto. We visited some of the townships and I was strongly moved by all the people that lived in poverty yet still had such high spirits. However, the children especially moved me. There were three very young boys in particular whose faces lit up at the sight of us. I spent some time to with them and the smiles did not leave their bright little faces the entire time. I took a couple of photos with a Polaroid camera, gave them each a copy and kept one for myself. This instant picture fascinated them and by the way they looked at the pictures I could tell it was a treasure to them. As we were leaving they climbed into our car trying to come home with us. I felt so sad having to leave them but I told them I would return to visit and it was then that I knew I had to make every effort to get back to South Africa and do what I can for this magnificent country and its awe-inspiring people.
When I got accepted into the ISV volunteer program it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. Yes, I have obviously been to South Africa before but I have never experienced it from this perspective. I cannot wait to immerse myself in the community and its culture by helping out wherever I can as well as experiencing the wildlife like never before. Scott, Linda and I will be helping to conserve and protect the amazing flora and fauna, some of which are endangered species, that this spectacular and inspiring African country has to offer.
If I have inspired you at all with my story please help make my dreams of helping a less fortunate country come true by clicking on the ‘donate’ button and sparing any amount you can. Anything you can afford will be greatly appreciated; nothing is too big OR too small! Help me prove that dreams can come true…
Thank you for the time you have given up to visit our blog and for your generosity!
Much love
Julie xo
