Sunday, December 7, 2008

Hello & Welcome

In less than two weeks I will be leaving for Cape Town, South Africa! I couldn't be more excited and I have very high expectations for this trip, though I am sure some nervousness will set in the days before I leave. Before then, I think that there are several things to be explained- after all, this whole thing really began almost a year ago to the day that I leave, December 20th.

I've always looked forward to studying abroad, but learned upon coming to UD that as a nursing major, if I went abroad for a whole semester I'd be set back an entire year academically. Though this was disappointing at first, (I don't understand why more people don't go for a whole semester!! I think it would be entirely worth it) UD has the alternative of going abroad during our 7 week winter break, which is actually what most people do. So I began considering some of the offered trips- one throughout Europe, one to Fiji and Australia with nursing majors, etc etc. I realized, though, that these programs weren't going to work for me: for what a UD trip costs, I could probably travel abroad on my own for 6 months and pay the same. Plus I'd be paying for credits and taking classes that I have no need for.

Another reason for not going abroad with UD is that I don't want to be so confined to a set schedule and I want to be able to plan trips and activities on my own and based on what I want to do. This desire is also the reason why I am going completely by myself and didn't try to recruit my friends. I may be crazy, I don't know yet, and I'll be finding out very soon. But who knows when I'll get to do something like this again, and I realized that I might as well take the plunge and try to get everything out of it that I possibly can.

With all of this in mind, the idea of volunteering abroad came to me, and I knew right away that I wanted to go to Africa. I can hardly explain why really (which probably sounds weird seeing as Africa may not be most people's number one destination abroad), but for several years I have had ideas of going to Africa in a Doctors [nurse] Without Borders kind of situation one day, and the opportunity to be able to spend my winter break doing something incredibly productive in a place that has SUCH need is perfect. So I Googled "volunteer opportunities in Africa", clicked on the first link I saw, and found AVIVA. It was really that easy, and AVIVA is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I was thrilled.

AVIVA is a company based in Cape Town (CT) that offers volunteer opportunities to people 18+ from around the world, offering over a dozen programs focused either with children & community or wildlife & conservation. The program that immediately stood out to me is located at Baphumelele (Baps), an orphanage in Kayelitsha township right outside of Cape Town. I will be working with children ages 0-5 who have been neglected, abused, and/or abandoned, a few of whom have TB or HIV. The way it works is that I will live in the AVIVA house in CT with other volunteers for three days at a time (during which I can do whatever I want with my time) and then I go to the orphanage and work/stay there for three days, then back to the AVIVA house for three days and so on. So for the 6 weeks my time will essentially be split evenly between Baps and my own free time in Cape Town.

I decided to apply right away, which I think may have freaked Mom and Dad out a little bit, but they learned very quickly how completely serious I was about it and came around in no time =). Of course, I did research other programs/opportunities, but I knew AVIVA was going to be the one- and after three weeks of waiting over Christmas and New Years to hear back, my application was accepted and it was set!

So I have had a whole year to plan, talk to past volunteers through Facebook, research CT/safaries/excursions, sadly watch airfare go up and up and up . . ., and read multiple travel guides as well as New News Out of Africa (courtesy of Aunt Linda!) And now, all there is to do is wait (and study for finals in the mean time).

So for now, thanks for taking an interest in my travels & for reading along, and be sure to comment!! Comments from home when I'm thousands of miles away will be hugely appreciated! And lastly, below are a few pictures from the AVIVA website that may help to further explain my desire to do this . . .





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2 comments:

Dad said...

Lauren, this trip you have planned is wonderful in so many different ways. I know you are going to give-- and get-- so much during your travels. The concept behind AVIVA is simple but so powerful. In all the world I don't know if there could be a better trip for you--congratulations on finding it and for having the courage to go by yourself. I know you will be in great company while you are there. May your experience be all you are hoping for and more-- we will be watching so eagerly for your posts!

With love--

---Dad

kris0602rn said...

Lauren, what a great first post! You leave tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited for you-- or more excited to hear how your experience unfolds via this blog! Safe travels to SA and update when you can.
xoxoxo
Kristin