When I began planning this trip, I realized I how incredibly fortunate I was to be able travel to Africa. Though the cost of airfare, vaccines and camping gear was stretching my already tiny budget beyond its limit, I knew that the opportunity to camp through Namibia was something I could not pass up.
As I planned the trip, and researched the country several things stood out: its incredible natural beauty, its tiny population (3rd smalled in the world), and its poverty. Though Namibia is economically much better off than many other African nations, that did not mean there were not still people in need.
After I decided to something to help, I began contacting everyone I knew. Through friends living in Windhoek, Namibia - who we had planned to visit - I found a small orphanage in need of basic necessities. I began to ask friends, family and coworkers for donations of clothing, books, toys, shoes, bedding, and powdered formula. My hope was to bring an additional suitcase over with whatever I could.
I was not expecting the generosity that I received. I have been overwhelmed by donations of clothing, bedding - even cricket gear! - to bring to the children. As the trip draws nearer, I am incredibly excited to bring everything over!
