I have some major news to share with everyone. My trip to Namibia has been cancelled. There are many reasons for why this happened, but everyone has come to peace with the decision. One significant reason for why the trip was cancelled is because the size and make up of our trip troubled our leader, Ed. We only had two female students, including myself. This would mean that two young girls would be traveling internationally with a older man, which could at times put us in uncomfortable or awkward arrangements. In addition, we had originally planned on meeting up with team from South Africa in Namibia, but the closer we got to the trip the less likely it seemed that they were going to make it. A last major reason for why the trip was cancelled was simply because it didn't seem like it was working out as smoothly as necessary. All of these reasons have led to our trip being cancelled late last week. This left me with a decent amount of money fundraised, and no where to go.
I then received the news that I had two options: Thailand, the Philippines, or wait until next summer. The Thailand trip is unfortunately an all guy team. This would mean that both Rachel (The other girl from my original trip) and I would both have to decide to go to Thailand in order to have it be appropriate. Low and behold, Rachel chose the Philippines. This meant that I had to decide between the Philippines and waiting until next summer. My opinion on waiting until next summer was essentially summed up by the unknown plans for next summer. With graduation in the spring there is no telling what my summer plans will pan out to be. After all is said is done, cutting a longer story short, after much contemplation, and many conversations i am officially GOING TO THE PHILIPPINES!!! It has taken some getting used to, and I still have a lot of research to do before I leave but I am excited about the opportunity to serve this culture.
A few changes that go along with this decision include a few things. For starters I leave a little earlier and return a little later then originally, meaning I leave June 17, and return July 26. I also will be serving with a larger team, so instead of only three of us there will be seven of us, which is incredible because I love the idea of serving with a large team. In addition, the projects that we will be working on are more applicable to my interests. We will be working hands on in the slums of Manila, helping to teach english, working with children in orphanages, and living life among this community.
That about sums up the changes the moment. If you haven't looked at the thermometer since this change you will know notice that I am now fully funded. Thanks for reading, and following along on this exciting adventure.
