Our group recently left the Ziwa rhino sanctuary. Obviously during our week long stay we spent a decent amount of time observing rhinos and other wild game. I remember the first animal we saw was a bush back antelope, but for the longest time everyone was calling it a bush bark.
Anyhow, as the days progressed the group grew closer. This tends to happen when you have amazing people around and two beautiful, inspirational leaders like Avy and Colin. And when I say we grew closer this isn’t meant to be taken as an understatement.
We each pushed our comfort zones with the blind fold game. One person from either of the two teams were chosen to wear the blind fold of madness. Then the leaders would instruct us to navigate our teamates through the circular arena, where we had to find objects to through at the frenemy.
I pushed my own comfort zone by deciding to share my “Life Map” with the rest of the group. This experience, in my opinion, made me feel extremely vulnerable but refreshed. I got everything off of my chest that I hadn’t dealt with in many years, and in return I heard people saying that they love me.
There were crazy nights where we chased rhino shadows, and others where we all sat in TD’s (Talia and DD’s room) playhouse applying mascara to our facial hair. Well Kevin and I did at least. From the meals we shared and the great Grat-i-brahs we became a family. And since the moment we left the sanctuary we have promised to continue becoming vulnerable, and support one another.
-Alvin Swearingen