As I'm sitting here on this uneventful Wednesday night in Fayetteville, Arkansas my mind is all over the world. I'm anxiously awaiting my departures for Mozambique and Morocco. It is a very strange feeling missing a place you haven't been before. I am already dreading the day I have to say goodbye. My point in writing tonight is to talk about money. It's a 3X6 thin piece of greenish paper that controls our lives. We go to school for 16 plus years to get a job to make money. Money is important don't get me wrong, but what is more important is how you spend your money. I don't even wanna get into how much my travels are costing me but let me tell you that every penny is worth it. So say no to that over priced pair of Kendra Scotts (they all look the same anyways). Say no to that really cool pair of shoes your just dying to have (I promise you will live and don't you have enough shoes?). Here is what you say yes too. Experiences. Don't waste your money on frivolous things that you're someday going to out grow. Spend your money on making memories all over the world because those are the things you are going to remember. So if its going to Africa or going on a trip across the U.S. SAY YES. Life is all about moments. The kind of moments that words can't explain. There are some things I'm going to be able to share with you on my adventures but there are some things I'm not. Not because I don't want to but because I won't be able to find the words. That's because there are things in life that you have to SEE and FEEL and can't just read on some girl's blog. So here is my advice to you. GO. Go out there and experience the world. Let it make you feel and I mean really feel like your living. Let it change you. Do not let money hold you back because the memories you make while you are abroad, will be the memories you're sharing with your grandkids one day. You may be sitting here thinking yeah…. okay, someday I will get around to traveling. But lets be real. Someday is never going to happen unless you make it TODAY. Life happens. You get married and have kids and soon your responsibilities take over. Travel now while you are young and carefree because I promise it will be worth every penny.
2 Comments
Let the Count down Begin!!!!!
T-minus One month until I embark on the journey of a life time to Mozambique, Africa on a community development project and let me tell ya friends I can hardly contain my excitement. So why Mozambique? Mozambique is one of Africa's poorest countries with with a poverty rate of 54.7%. Did you know that the average local in Mozambique receives one chicken worth of protein per year? This along with other factors account for the high level of malnutrition with in the country. The average diet in Mozambique mostly consists of cassava and other starchy foods with very little nutritional value. While I am abroad, my team will be conducting a survey to asses the nutrition level of the locals of the Nampula area of Mozambique to revel the micronutrient deficiency epidemic that plagues the region. The University of Arkansas has partnered with a poultry business in Nampula called New Horizons which has provided jobs for the surrounding area. While other teams will be working on water quality, poultry health, and accounting aspects of the farm, my team will be comparing the nutrient levels of the workers at New Horizons with the locals of the area. This experience not only allows me to learn in a real world situation, but it gives me a chance to help bring change to an area of the world with so much promise. I am excited to meet the people that will be changing my life as I try to change theres. A big THANK YOU!! I could not have made this trip happen alone. I was generously awarded a scholarship from the University of Arkansas, Walton College of Business that I am tremendously grateful for and cannot put into words how much it means to my family and I. I am blessed by my amazing friends and family for all the support, donations, and constant love. Thank you to the faculty members of the Mozambique Community Development Program for inspiring and leading me through this journey. A special shout out to Julie Trivitt for some pre departure advice and Susan Anders for her continuous encouragement and assistance. God has blessed me in so many ways this year and I owe it all to him!!! Thank you all for helping this dream of mine come true. Stay tuned for more updates on Mozambique to come!!! |
AuthorHi I'm Jess!!! I have a soul for traveling and loving people. All kinds of people from all conners of the world from all walks of life. I've left pieces of my heart all over the world. This is my safe space to write all the things on my heart. I hope you find some comfort and encouragement in the words on these pages. Thanks for reading friends (: Archives
July 2016
Categories |