Trip of a lifetime! Can’t wait to go back.

by Joan Buzek

My trip with ROI to South Africa is one of the most fantastic and memorable of my life.  The travel arrangements by Greg and Chariss went smoothly, and the place at Jeffries Bay was gorgeous.  I could see the sunrise over the ocean from my bed. I met so many lovely people both part of our group and those  I met at Ithemba and GLA. All were fun and committed to making a difference in our world.  The opportunities to experience the wild life were extraordinary.  The elephant, big cat and monkey sanctuaries were truly amazing.  My elephant ride will be an event I’ll always remember.  What fun!

The real highlight of the trip was going to the schools. How a personal tragedy inspired the woman who began Ithemba, a preschool and after school program for k-6, touched me in a life changing way.  I was able to present some teaching ideas to the dedicated staff, and they seemed very well received.  It was such a pleasure to know I could be making a positive contribution.  I have made some life- long friends and will continue to support the birthday club I suggested and additions to the library. The Global Leadership Academy was a very good high school that would rival any here in the  U.S.  I am so glad Roi helped them, and they in return are giving scholarships to some of the kids from Ithemba.  I am no young cookie(75), but the Lord be willing I will be going back to South Africa.