There are so many people working hard behind the scenes at Joshua Expeditions to keep things running smoothly. One of those amazing people is Tamzin, our Airlines Department Manager – get to know a little bit about her!
Q: How long have you been on staff at JE & what brought you to the team?
A: I joined the JE family in April of 2017. God definitely paved the way for life in the United States and finding JE. My family and I moved to the United States in 2014 from Johannesburg, South Africa where I had lived most my life. I was born in Zimbabwe and lived there until I was about 8 when my father decided South Africa was a safer place to raise a family with 5 young children. Upon coming to the U.S., I was a stay-at-home mom for 3 years, spending time with my girls and helping them acclimate into their American life. I loved getting to stay home, but did miss the travel industry which has been my career for nearly 21 years.
The countryside in Tamzin’s home country of South Africa
Q: What is your role on the team & what does a typical day look like for you?
A: I am the Manager of the Airline department. Our season begins around mid-August at a crazy, busy pace. As groups sign up for a trip, our department searches for the best airline options to fit their requirements. This can be very challenging to accomplish as airlines do not release their lowest fares straight away. From January until May, we are ticketing all our groups and getting them ready to travel, which involves a whole different set of challenges like weather and schedule changes, among other things. In this department, we need to have nerves of steel with a lot of patience and dedication, and we are never bored!
Q: What is your favorite part about working at JE?
A: I love being in an industry that I enjoy and that has been my career of choice for many years, but serving a different client – our children! I feel very privileged to be a part of a company that’s mission is to serve God through educating our youth about the world around them through a biblical view. It’s so wonderful to be a part of working towards JE’s missions that give hope and care to people in need. Working with a dedicated and caring team makes all the difference when working in an environment that is very fast paced and, at times, stressful.
Local wildlife spotted on an Okavango Delta safari during Tamzin’s trip to Botswana
Q: What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
A: Spending 3 months traveling around to Israel, Egypt, and diving the Red Sea.
Q: What is one thing you never travel without?
A: My feather pillow!
Q: If you could give a JE traveler one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: To always be kind and respectful of the locals and their customs in the country you are visiting.
Q: What is the best lesson you’ve learned from traveling?
A: Take a moment to remember the smell and feel of arriving in that strange new place! Enjoy every moment because you may never get that opportunity again. Take pictures of everything!
Mauritius Island
Q: Is there a Bible verse of bit of Biblical truth that is particularly meaningful to you?
A: God has a plan for us, place all your trust in him and be patient. Philippians 4:6-8
Q: If you weren’t working at JE, what would your dream job be?
A: Working for National Geographic as a traveling and investigative photographer.
Q: If you could only eat one food/dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: I love all kinds of food and cuisines! If I had to choose, it would have to be authentic Indian Curries, I love spicy hot foods!
Q: Are there any other fun things about yourself you’d like to share?
A: Coffee is one of my love languages!
Beautiful scenery in Bali, Indonesia
