Well, I am finally taking the plunge! It has taken me over a year to enroll with Cross Cultural Solutions and jump in head first. So, I am headed to volunteer in Bagamoyo which is a small town located on the east coast of Tanzania, Africa. I will leave December 8th, and I will return January 10th. This will be my very first Christmas away from family in 31 years, but I am fairly certain I will be celebrating in the best way possible. I have two weeks paid vacation, and it just made more sense to go over the holidays since I won't be missing too much more time with all the holidays we have off anyway. I was extremely nervous to tell my boss I not only wanted to take four weeks off, but I wanted to take them during December and January. To my disbelief, she gave me a quiet look as if she was proud of me and told me that I was doing a wonderful thing. I am so thankful that I have such an amazing boss who would allow me to take an entire month off in these hard economical times. I am so excited, nervous, and anxious beyond belief.
It is a bit daunting to think I only have 6 weeks until my program fee of $3500 is due, but I know in my heart it will all work out. I have saved and saved for many months and I have also received generous donations to help make this possible. I only have $2000 to go! Thank you to all of my friends and family who have given me wonderful words of encouragement and unconditional love and support. This would not have been possible without you!
I will be staying at the Cross Cultural Solutions home base in town. There, I will have Swahili lessons, cultural lessons, training, feedback, and most meals with other volunteers and staff members. I will also get the opportunity to do what I love which is make art of any sort. Bagamoyo is rich with local artists, dance, and music. Of course, this is the main reason I chose Bagamoyo. I want to learn as much as possible while exploring new areas of my own creativity.
It is a bit daunting to think I only have 6 weeks until my program fee of $3500 is due, but I know in my heart it will all work out. I have saved and saved for many months and I have also received generous donations to help make this possible. I only have $2000 to go! Thank you to all of my friends and family who have given me wonderful words of encouragement and unconditional love and support. This would not have been possible without you!
