Anticipation

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My adventure begins when the plane touches down in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 14. I will spend the first few days familiarizing myself with my new surroundings, the society and the people.  Kathmandu will be my initial introduction to Nepal’s elephant culture.

It is my good fortune to be joining a highly skilled and seriously motivated veterinary team. Meetings are scheduled with NGOs and government officials in order for the team to be brought up-to-date on several projects.  As a new member of the team, I will focus on absorbing as much information as is humanly possible.  After less than a week in Kathmandu, we will travel southeast to Chitwan, to administer veterinary care to tens of elephants over the next several weeks.

Elephants have been my focus and the driving force in my life since I was 20 years old. Although travel has always been my second love, my work at the Sanctuary has kept me virtually home-bound.  I have no regrets, only gratitude for the years spent providing a safe haven for elephants. The Sanctuary is the manifestation of my dream; a significant component of my life’s work. Without question, I will always cherish the memories and relationships that I have developed with all my Girls.  As my future unfolds I realize that I have found a way to combine my two true loves by traveling to assist elephants.

It is hard to contain my excitement at the prospect of being of assistance to so many elephants.

Carol

Comments

12 responses to “Anticipation”

  1. JackieB Avatar
    JackieB

    Carol,

    I am very excited for your journey, and I know that you will carry the Girls in your heart as you travel. Please post updates so we can hear about your wonderful work.

  2. Beth Avatar
    Beth

    Carol, I am so excited for you….and thrilled that I, too, am at the beginning of something great happening for you….for all those elephants to come. I know those Girls will always be in your heart and thoughts as you go on this journey…one world…one elephant at a time.

  3. Tory Avatar
    Tory

    Congratulations and best wishes on all that you do. We will have to live vicariously through you, and for that I thank you.

    For the Elephants,
    Tory

  4. capierso Avatar
    capierso

    Best of luck, Carol. Exciting times. I hope you will be able to blog every now and then, and let us know what is happening. cheers, Cynthia Pierson

  5. elephantcentre Avatar

    Kathmandu and its beauties but with its impossible noise and its crowded pavements… It will be such a relief to take a flight or some car to the heat of Chitwan. I can’t wait being there myself. I only I had more time.

  6. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    Thank God there is you.

  7. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    Ah, the power of one person! Step aside everyone as Carol is coming through. We will follow you every step of the exciting way. This sounds like another great book in the works…..

  8. Ele-aunt Avatar
    Ele-aunt

    Carol, you’re going on a vision quest, a walk-about, an adventure. Looking forward to your blogs, photos, new books, documentaries. Tell us about the world you find, about all you see and hear. Please whisper to each ele that we love them.

    You’re here for the eles, and we’re here for you!

  9. Laurie V. Avatar
    Laurie V.

    Remember to pack a camera! Lot of pictures, please.

  10. starling Avatar
    starling

    Elephants everywhere will never be more real than through your perfect elevision. Thanks for taking us along.

  11. bluabbey Avatar
    bluabbey

    Dearest Carol..Praying you will have a safe trip .. we will be waiting here at home to hear of all your new exciting adventures..with love and ele hugs, Dolores McDaniel/BluAbbey

  12. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    I’m not sure it’s actually possible to get farther away from Howenwald, Tennessee than going to Kathmandu – in either physical OR metaphorical distance. LOL!

    Just about 30 years ago, as a fairly inexperienced traveler of mostly white, middle-class origins, I flew from the Pacific Northwest to Kathmandu, and spent the first several days just trying to get my feet back underneath me. I was definitely “not in Kansas any more.” 🙂

    From there I traveled down to Chitwan, rode an elephant, camped on the edge of the river, watched the rhinos come out at dawn and bathe. It’s exciting to have a picture in my mind of what you’ll see and where you’ll go.

    I really look forward to hearing your tales, and to hearing what’s timeless about that experience and what has changed.

    Safe journey!

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