It’s the first time I find myself sitting before a blank page to write an expedition blog. To be honest, I’m a bit nervous. All sorts of emotions are going through my mind. I feel privileged to be where I am and to be able to accompany this group of young people on an experience that was highly transformative for me.
When I was 16, if someone had asked me where I saw myself in ten years’ time, I would never have dared to think that I would be an employee of the Foundation that literally changed my life, and that I too would have the opportunity to be part of the team that accompanies young people on this most memorable of journeys. As you will have gathered, I myself underwent cancer treatment and took part in a therapeutic adventure expedition. And here I am again, 10 years later, giving back to others, so to speak.
I can’t wait to see the magic of the expedition in their eyes, to document each small step that is in fact a giant leap forward, to get to know them, to live at the pace of nature, of their nature.
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Today was a day of travel for the Foundation team and its volunteers, as well as for a few participants from outside Québec. Our meeting point: Montréal (with the exception of the trio of logisticians who drove directly to the Poisson Blanc reservoir).
Whether by land or air, everyone made it to the destination!
At the airport, Julien, Catherine (whose voice deteriorated throughout the day to a whisper occasionally punctuated by an audible voice—a far cry from the one we’re familiar with), Simon and myself (Laurence) welcomed Ryder who was arriving directly from Vancouver, as well as Thomas, Kaylin and Hari who were arriving from Calgary where they had a stopover following their departure from Edmonton. Kaylin, still in awe, told us it was the first time she’d boarded such a large aircraft. A whole first-class section, three sections of seats separated by two aisles, the works.
At the hotel, we met Jasmine and Andréanne for dinner. Everyone was happy to be there, you could tell! The first exchanges were going well. A friendly, teasing atmosphere was already beginning to permeate within the group, despite the fatigue that was slowly taking hold of each of us. Once our bellies were full, Julien explained the plan for the following morning, with Catherine at his side miming the whole thing for lack of a voice. Because of the time difference, breakfast hour came as a surprise to our four travelers.
Without dragging the evening out too long, we all headed to the comfort of our rooms for a well-deserved night’s sleep!
See you tomorrow for the first day of this journey, when the whole group will be together and ready to set out on this adventure! 😊
Laurence Yelle, Volunteer photographer-blogger for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation
Translate by Anna Tomczyk