After three months, three countries and a whole tidal wave of epic experiences, we have reached our final day of this incredible journey. As we, your OE’s, sit at Brisbane International Airport, we can’t help but reflect on these past months and the amazing adventures we have had. We have seen the sunrise from Uluru and watched it set on the snowy peaks of Mount Ruapehu. We have crossed paths… Read More

“I dove in The Great Barrier Reef,” is a prestigious statement that only a select few lucky people in the world can say is true. Well, all 3 of our divers passed their open water certification and are now part of the population that can say this statement. While I, unfortunately, was not one of the divers, I still had an amazing 2 days out on the reef snorkeling with… Read More

The first surprise came upon arrival to CVA, when we were split into two pre-determined groups that we would then remain with for the week at Conservation Volunteers Australia. One group headed up to the Atherton Tablelands, to care for young trees by weeding and fertilizing, in the hope that when they reach maturity they would replenish parts of rainforest that once existed. Additionally, this would make new routes for… Read More

Swag (adj): The new generations alternative word for cool. Anyone who thought they carried themselves in a cool or sexy way. Swag (n): Canvas bedroll to protect oneself and belongings when camping in the outback. combination between a sleeping bag and tent. Swags were swag, the outback was swag, we are swag. We spent our nights sleeping under the brilliant southern hemisphere constellations and spending most nights trying to figure… Read More

Geared up for our big outback adventure! Stay tuned for more pics and stories to come!… Read More

Bula Vinaka Family and Friends! We have just completed our first week in Togalevu village on the western side of Viti Levu island, Fiji! Our week started with a traditional welcome from the villagers, which included a hearty serving of kava, the traditional root drink used in special ceremonies. Shortly after, we were introduced to our host families and brought to our new homes. The following days were spent building… Read More

Hi Friends and Family back home! We made it to Fiji last night, and the group is off on a scavenger hunt today on a cultural exploration in Nadi! Keep your eyes out for a blog post before we head out to the village on Monday! Bula Vinaka! Avi and Lauren… Read More

The HONGI group arrived at Mangarara Farm on a rainy, cold and dreary afternoon. The damp weather did nothing to sway our excitement over the sight of lambs and sheep. As we approached the driveway we had no idea what was in store for us at the farm, but we all were anxious to begin our week with the Hart family. The Harts gave us the warmest of welcomes including… Read More

Kia Ora from the HONGI group from Wellington, New Zealand! We hope everything is going well back in the States. Although New Zealand is on its last stretch of winter, the cold and rain did not keep us from exploring this beautiful city. Over the past few days, our orientation activities have ranged from wandering through Te Papa to dressing up in ridiculous outfits while trying to keep a straight… Read More

The Hongi group has gathered at the airport and are making their way through security at LAX. Next stop, Aotearoa – The land of the long white cloud. More commonly known as New Zealand! We wish these precocious wayfarers good luck on the road ahead. Stay tuned to the blog for an update when they land safely in New Zealand and then to hear tales of their adventures from the… Read More

ng Hello from tomorrow family and friends! We’ve all been loving our time in New Zealand so far! We arrived in Christchurch a bit groggy and confused to have skipped a date on the calendar altogether, but after a good night’s sleep we were excited to get started exploring a new city. It’s certainly an interesting time to be in Christchurch, since the earthquakes in 2011 leveled almost all of… Read More

Good evening family and friends, The Hongi group has all arrived safely to LAX and they are about to proceed through security and begin their adventure together.  We wish them all the best as they traverse new internal and external landscapes over the next 3 months.   Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud awaits! -Drew Edwards, Executive Director  … Read More

Hello Hongi Adventurers! Kevin and Angie here signing in from Portland! We've been preparing all kinds of awesomeness for our upcoming adventure in the South Pacific. We hope you're all stoked because we certainly are! We spent today adventuring around Portland, exploring the massive Powell's bookstore, riding the MAX and sampling some local deliciousness. While it's been excellent spending time getting to know each other, we can't wait to be… Read More

  To all of our fuh-reeeeends: Hard to believe it was only a week ago that we were crowding around the Cairns airport, musing over Ben & Gabe’s freakish similarities and passing around the vinegar-soiled-tote-bag for a whiff. The journey home was a long one, but only reiterated how tight knit our community had really become. Through thick and thin, highs and lows, bad airplane food and 4 repeat viewings… Read More

Staying for two weeks in a small Fijian village is no easy task. It’s hot, it’s different, it’s remote. Despite the elements, living and working in Nananu alongside it’s beautiful people was truly a gift. It was a challenging experience, but a necessary one, and we have walked away more enlightened and self-aware as ever. Though we have no regrets, here are a few things we decided as a group… Read More