I am currently flying back towards home from a life changing trip to Australia. Thanks technology I am able to begin sharing my experience from the airplane. So, for a quick update: I've been down under for the past 18 days. I spent a few days in Sydney being a tourist but the rest of the time I spent in Melbourne with 130 diabetics from around the world (70 countries to be exact). This opportunity was made possible by my member association as well as IDF Young leaders. A quick overview, I applied for the volunteer position and was selected along with another Canadian representative, Russ.I went into this experience not knowing what to expect. I knew that there would be people with diabetes, I knew that the weather was going to be nicer than home and I knew that I would be united/reunited with some people that I had known from the past. The reality of it was that yes the weather was beautiful, and yes I was reunited with some great past friends but what I didn't realize was how much I would leave impacted by my peers living with diabetes from around the world.
I learned a lot. More than I ever imagined. This experience taught me a lot about diabetes but more so it taught me about friendship. I grew close with a few other representatives. Realizing that we all come from different cultures, countries, backgrounds and languages yet, share a diabetes story. I kept a journal throughout the experience and I look forward to sharing my experience with everyone else. More so, it's my job to come back to Canada with a project. I feel empowered and energized. Diabetes gave me an international family.
Kayla
you look really rough and like you were really sick and exhausted in the Kilimanjaro video
ReplyDeleteIf only we could compare how you look! That would be handy! Sadly you're an anonymous coward who lacks the imagination to even create a fake avatar so this particular avenue of entertainment seems to have been closed off.
DeleteI love internet tough guys who talk all kinds of shit but can't back it up. In any case now that you've had the benefit of my truncated opinion, I'd be happy to berate you further if you'd like to critique my appearance on my blog? I have about 30 readers and I'd do anything to get your input on my work. It would really mean a lot to me if you could spare a few moments of your busy day.
By "sick" you must've meant "empowered and impressive" for taking on an adventure that most people don't even dream about. Or was that a really bad typo? Let's hope so. Meanwhile, Kayla, you're incredible!
DeleteHi Anonymous! I was exhausted! I was not sick however! It was a tough climb that is for sure!
ReplyDeleteFun fact: Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world. Kayla if I looked half as good as you after conquering that it'd be a damn miracle.
ReplyDeleteIs the video going to be posted ?
ReplyDeleteIt is available online via YouTube.
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUQSNv5zzsk