If you have read my most recent post, Stepping Into The Fear, then you know why living for the present has become so important for me.

In keeping with the theme of walking directly into my fears, I have officially resigned from the job that I loved in my pre-cancer world. Although the part of me that craves certainty is incredibly tempted to go back, I know that I need a fresh start in my post cancer life.

I am still trying to define my long term vision for the future. But, on a walk in early January, I thought about the three words that I chose for 2011 and how I could actively bring more inspiration, good health, and love into my life. In that moment, I thought of Africa and what an inspiring opportunity it would be to volunteer there. My sagging spirits lifted at the thought of a new adventure and the chance to give back in a meaningful way. Since my diagnosis, the people around me have showered me with a tidal wave of love and support; finally the time has come for me to pay it forward.

I am excited to share with you that I have committed to a six week volunteer program in Cape Town, South Africa that starts April 16th (two months from today). My heart bounces off my ribs at the thought of packing my suitcase, boarding a plane, and flying for almost 24 hours, but I believe that this experience will help me pick up the pieces and make the tough transition from cancer patient to survivor.

For my time in South Africa, I have partnered with Cross Cultural Solutions, a well-respected company that came highly recommended to me. Although this organization will match me with an opportunity based on need, I hope to help take care of 0-4 year olds in a daycare/creche. Many of the daycares in Cape Town struggle with a lack of funding and often have upwards of sixty children and only a few caregivers. Most of you know that I adore little ones and from my last post, you also know that my high risk of ovarian cancer and the threat of an upcoming surgery means that I may not be able to have my own. I know that the opportunity to nurture children who need a little extra love and support will feed my soul and I am positive that I will gain so much more from this experience than I could possibly give.

In order to make this dream happen, I have an aggressive fundraising goal and only 1 month to make it happen. The combined cost for both the flight and program fee is $7800 and I need to pay for everything by March 16th. For a breakdown of the funds required and to learn more about Cross Cultural Solutions, please visit my Volunteering in Africa page.

If you can spare even a few dollars to help me make a difference in the lives of these children and heal some of the bruises that cancer left on my heart, I will be forever grateful. You can donate directly to my Cross Cultural Solutions Sponsorship Page to contribute to the program fee or to my Paypal account to help me pay for my flight. If you are short on cash, but would still like to help, you can click on the little Facebook icon on the button of this post and share my story on your own Facebook page in order to help me get the word out.

I hope to raise more funds than I need so that in the future, I can help another cancer survivor who has a similar dream to volunteer internationally. But, I figure I better see what this experience does for me before I convince other people to do the same. I promise to bring you with me to Africa via my blog, so that you can share in my adventures along the way. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

The old me would never have taken this leap of faith. I would have dreamt about it, analyzed the pros and cons of it, but never actualized it. Cancer has taught me that life is short and that sometimes you have to, “Jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.” (Ray Bradbury)

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