Since I can remember, I have dreamed of going on an African Safari. When I was little, I watched a lot of the National Geographic channel. That was back in the day when there really wasn’t cable or satellite television. And there were only a few channels to choose from. You know, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and then PBS, which was channel 3. So, every Sunday, my family would gather ’round the TV, turn on National Geographic Explorer and gaze into a world that we could only dream of going to someday.
As a girl, my favorite Nat Geo shows were the ones which showcased animals and especially those found in Africa. I was always in awe of the beauty of that far off place. A place I knew I wanted to visit and explore. I was never sure that day would ever come. But a girl can dream, and dream I did.
I have a Bucket List. It’s not written down anywhere. At this point in time, it’s a mental Bucket List of sorts. I think it’s safe to say that going on an African Safari is sitting in the number 1 spot on my Bucket List. And I’m happy, thrilled ELATED to report that in 3 short weeks, I get to check that box off my bucket list!
I’M GOING ON AN AFRICAN SAFARI!!!! How freaking cool is that?! I’m still stunned. Amazed. And in shock. When I’m there I know I’ll have to pinch myself several times to make sure that indeed it’s reality. That I’m really truly there~seeing and experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. And with who else, but the love of my life. My best friend. My husband. Afterall, he’s the one who got us there!
You see, my husband is in sales. If he exceeds his quota, his company is pretty phenomenal in the way in which they recognize those employees who go above and beyond. One of the things they do is reward their best with ginormous trips to exotic places. While there, they send us on amazing tours, have fancy dinners nightly and thoughtful gifts await us in our room after the day’s adventures.
Since my husband started with the company he works for three years ago, they’ve sent us on one amazing trip after another. We’ve had the fortune of going on a Mediterranean Cruise and visited Greece, Turkey, Santorini, Croatia and Italy {all of which were also on my bucket list}! We’ve stayed at gorgeous, luxurious resorts in Hawaii and also in Los Cabos, Mexico. They’ve even sent our entire family to Orlando, Florida to visit Disney World. Each and every trip has been incredible. And beyond memorable.
I’m not here to boast or brag. Or make anyone jealous. That’s not my point or intention. However, there is one thing people should understand. And that is what it takes to go on these incentive trips. Really, it requires tenacity and a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication. Sacrifice and support. Yes, I’m way proud of my husband. He’s an amazingly talented individual. He’s driven to succeed. I can only pray that our children learn from his example, see these priceless qualities and put them to good use in their own lives. I know that in doing so they too will reap the rewards that go along with the fruit of their labors. And then they too will be blessed to see their dreams come true!
Last year while we were on an incentive trip to the Hawaiian Islands, the company my husband works for announced where the next Compass Club would be. It’s always a highly anticipated and an astonishingly exciting moment. As soon as they revealed “African Safari” for the 2012 Compass Club, my husband and I looked at each other in absolute amazement! I remember saying to him, “We are so going there and you will do whatever it takes to get us there!” He agreed.
Well, guess what? He did it! He more than did it!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful and thankful I am. How full of joy and excitement my heart is. Just writing this, brings tears to my eyes. This trip has actually made me quite emotional. I may even cry the entire time I’m in Africa. Seeing that level of splendor is mind boggling to me. And being on an adventure with the one I love~an adventure that I’ve dreamed of since I can remember, {really the first place I really ever dreamed of visiting}, is nothing short of a dream come true. Let me just say, it feels amazing. I’m speechless. There are simply no words to accurately describe how it feels. I’m really trying here, but I think I might be failing.
Africa is a breathtaking place chock full of beautiful nature and amazing wildlife. Its people are full of culture and their lives tell millions of stories. Atleast, that’s what I learned from the National Geographic shows I watched non-stop growing up! I hope to come back with millions of my own stories. Stories of our adventures while visiting this one continent we all have to visit at some point in our lives, right? It’s truly a one of a kind trip. A photographer’s dream. Well, I’m no photographer. But my husband and I will do our best. I can’t wait to share with each of you the phenomenal photos we’ll take that I hope tell the splendorous story of our wild African adventures.
