opportunity of a lifetime

More than anything I suppose my reason for taking part on this trip is because I have heard so much about it and wanted to experience it myself. I am a freshman here at the University of Minnesota and have never traveled to another continent. I don't read a lot of world news, I have always been very interested in world history but I couldn't tell you much about current events. I have learned about South Africa and their history of apartheid; however I never knew about their forgiveness. I am really happy I chose this trip because I have already learned so many wonderful things about the country and I have been counting down the days until I go. I have absolutely no expectations for what I am about to experience, but the more I read in the syllabus and course packet I get even more excited about all the things we will get to do in 3 short weeks. I hope to go into this as open minded as possible; I can't wait to talk to the people of South Africa and learn so much from them. I really like that this is more of an experience than it is a class. Being in the country and spending time with the citizens will teach us far more than books ever could. I feel truly blessed that I have the opportunity to go on this adventure and share it with my classmates and whoever is reading along with our blog! My last piece is for my family... they have been very supportive of this trip and have made it financially possible for me to go, for which I am very thankful.