Photos!

I heard from the group right before they left for their village homestays and volunteer project yesterday!  Their first few days in Fiji were a great start as they delved into the culture, had some time to get to know the city of Nadi during a scavenger hunt, and enjoyed time on the beach.  Here are a few photos from their time in NZ.… Read More

Walkabout lands in Fiji!

Dear Friends and Family back home, The Carpe Diem Walkabout group has successfully landed in Fiji. We spent the last night in Auckland going out to a nice dinner as a celebration for our final hours in New Zealand. New Zealand will be forever in are humble hearts along with the UNFORGETTABLE memories that we made there. It seems like just yesterday we were all in LAX just meeting each… Read More

Photos from Uganda

These fantastic photos were just sent in of the NKULA crew working at SNEC (the Special Needs Education Center where we volunteer with Edirisa, UK). The first is a mural they designed and painted based on Dr. Seuss’s “Oh The Places You’ll Go.” The second is the Nkula crew with many of the students at SNEC. The final photo is of the hill behind the school where our group went… Read More

Tales from the Marae

Our third week began by travelling from Anne’s farm to a nearby Maori community center, called the Kotare Trust where we have been living for the week. We were greeted warmly and openly by the generous hearts of the Maori family who help run the Trust. After enjoying a few songs and a traditional dance we were welcomed into a room with an expansive and delicious lunch spread. As we… Read More

From the Mufindi Highlands

This blog just came in from Eric M, with pictures added by the leaders! We began our week at the Mufindi Children’s Village, a small community nestled in a rural region of rolling hills and wind swaying trees. This NGO provides a home and learning environment for children who have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, or for the other odd reason. Our first experience was to undertake many hours of… Read More

Pictures Worth a Thousand Words…

Here are a few fantastic photos of the group taken over the past few weeks sent in by the leaders, Colin and Mandy. We hope you enjoy these smiling faces as the group transitions from their time at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary towards Southwestern Uganda, where they will begin working with Edirisa, UK at the Special Needs Education Center.… Read More

Kifaru has arrived!

The Kifaru crew safely landed in Dar es Salaam, where they spent a night before transitioning to their orientation site in beautiful Morogoro. We are so excited for them as they begin the journey! And of course we’d like to offer thanks to all of the friends and family who have helped the students get to this point. Stay tuned as more blogs will come from the students as they… Read More

Nkula Is In-Country!

We just heard from the leaders again – everyone is settled in to their rooms for the evening and ready for a good night’s sleep after all of those long flights. We’re so excited for Colin, Mandy, and their crew to begin the in-country orientation tomorrow as they start to explore Uganda. This is only the beginning for the crew, and it’s great to see all of these smiling faces… Read More

On the Way to Tanzania

The group gathered smoothly in Amsterdam and, despite many yawns after the first leg of the international flights, were excited to unite as an entire group! It looks like there was a minimal flight delay but the group is now well on their way to Dar es Salaam. Be sure to stay tuned to the blog as we’ll keep you posted when they have settled into Tanzania. Safari Njema (good… Read More

From Amsterdam to Entebbe

Just a brief note to say we’ve heard from Mandy and Colin as they met the rest of their crew in the Amsterdam airport – everyone found each other without a hitch and are now well on their way to Entebbe, Uganda. Be sure to stay tuned as we’ll let you know when they’ve settled into their orientation spot in Uganda!… Read More

Headed to Uganda!

The first half of the Nkula crew has united with Colin and Mandy, their overseas educators. Grey, Julia, Maddy, Kate, and Hannah are all checking through security right now as they begin their adventures. We wish them safe journeys and will keep you posted when they unite with the rest of the group and arrive in Uganda!… Read More

And They’re Off!

The first half of the Kifaru group has united at the Portland airport! Matt and Gwen, the Overseas Educators, are headed through security with Chris M, Chris P, Nikolle, Gus, and Eric. They will meet the rest of the crew in Amsterdam. We wish them safe journeys and will keep you posted when they’ve landed in Tanzania!… Read More