Annie joined the St John of God Foundation Horizon House Project in September 2007 full of enthusiasm and promise, in 2008 Annie was chosen by the same body that organised Vaughn’s trip to go on this 2008 Borneo Expedition!!

Annie shared with us some of her feelings about what the Borneo expedition means to her and what the trip is all about.

"As far as I can so far gather it is an adventure, a whirlwind of fresh air, a dynamic learning environment in which we learn about ourselves as well as acquire the satisfactory knowledge that what we are doing will make a difference.  That we as individuals can make a difference.  Or at least that’s what I’ve come to expect.

The experience consists of a three month expedition out of the country – many would also claim out of civilisation – to trek through jungle forest, labour over manual tasks, co-operate and operate with people from many different countries all over the world.

It will be a chance for me to see the world in an entirely new light.  A chance to make lasting friendships, not as shallow as the ones our own society so often offers.  Many have claimed – and I doubt it to be a lie – that this very well could be a life changing experience.

A bit about my background: I was born in Nambucca heads NSW, moved to Sydney before moving to Geraldton WA.  From WA I had a stint of just over six months in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) then back to Geraldton WA.  Shortly afterwards I moved to Manilla inland NSW, near Tamworth; before crossing to the Evans Head, Coastal NSW.  A small move from one quiet coastal town to another (Woodburn).  After several years in that approximate area, I relocated across the country to Mount Magnet WA, before going to a boarding school in Perth, then through circumstances wound up in Northampton attending Geraldton Senior High School.

I now live at Bendat House, and am in the process of deciding what to do with my life.  I was nominated for the Borneo expedition and after umming and erring over whether I would go this year or next I made my decision to go this year.  Now that I’ve decided, I am thrilled and ecstatic about the opportunity.

Personally, I hope to gather everything that they can possibly offer me from this trip. The adventure, the experience, the fast friendships, the new appreciation of what we can make of life.  From this experience, I hope to be able to hold an unforgettable memory, and mostly, I hope to gain a change.  Pure and simple."