While the goal of a family international volunteer trip is to work hard and bless others, we still find some time for fun! We have had some amazing experiences during our family international volunteer trips that have made them not only memorable because of the work we've done but also very enjoyable because of the cultures and locations we've had the chance to tour. These vacations, coordinated through Globe Aware, are some of our favorites, and even though we work diligently when we travel, we also always have a great time.

The Weichels
December 2022
https://www.faithfulparent.org

As you know, my daughter skipped the Game Count and the school visit last year.  I can tell you that she was blown away by the full tour this year.  The differences between visiting Victoria Falls and lounging in a resort for a week, and working at the school, then being at the pan for the Game Count, are night and day.  She expressed how she had seen "The Real Africa" on this version of the trip.  The opportunity to spend two (very full) days at the school, to make friends with the children, and to do something to improve their lives, was extraordinary.  Then - add to that the full-on pre-count meeting with the Zimbabwe locals, and then - THE GAME COUNT. 

So, yes.  This year was special.  It was special because, again, I got to experience the "real" Africa.  Up close.  Personal, and sometimes in-your-face or behind the Land Rover.  Lol!  We had two very large male elephants sneak up behind us to see who and what we were.  Have you been sniffed by a 6-ton male elephant?  I can't believe how quiet they can be.  We were merrily counting away, look over there, see that one coming from the west - when "sniff," "sniff' WHAT?!?  How did he get behind us?  OMG!  Once we noticed them, they ran away in terror, but what a rush to have them that close.  

The trip was special. Yes, the travel to get to Zimbabwe was long and hard. Thirty-five hours for me, thirty-eight for my daughter, each way.  But - AFRICA!. My plan is to print some of my photos from the last three trips, and I thought it would be fun to put a sound-bite at the bottom of them.  You know, Paris - Where Love is Towering...So, my daughter and I were trying to find the right sound-bite to sum up such an adventure.  I don't know that we have settled on one yet, but one idea was:  "You Leave a Piece of Yourself in Africa." Lol!  I think my daughter is making up T-shirts with a large female matriarch elephant that say: It's Time For a Matriarchy.  

Hear, hear!

Thanks for the great adventure.  I hope you all can join us next year!

Jefferey Burtner

September 2026