The Swahili challenge

To make the most out of my experience, I decided to learn Swahili.
At least the basics, but preferably a little bit more....

However, finding material has been a challenge in itself. AND to find teachers, or people to practice with.
Been looking everywhere, asked, posted ads et.c, but no result.

One of my friends has been a great help, and her total lack of patience has really pushed me forward, but I still need more.
Another friend of mine has put me in contact with one of his friends, so hopefully that will pay off.

Time is passing rather quick for the moment, so I really need to get it going.

Wish me luck, I think I need it!

Getting organised - kind of

First thing to do, apart from calling my friends and scream of excitement, was to clarify when I could take my annual leave.

Many factors to consider, climate in Tanzania, peak season or not, co-workers annual leave, and time for preparations.

September/October felt right in all aspects, so a request for leave was sent in, and confirmed!(with a little bit of flexibility though, for juggling of flights)

In this stage I also made a mental note to myself that I needed to look up VISA, vaccinations, and all sorts of arrangements.

I was relieved when I recieved a mail from Tulia in Ilula, saying that once my dates are confirmed she would help me to arrange transport from the airport, accomodation in Dar, and book the bus ticket for me. A great help, that I really apreciate!

Next on my list was to convince Fiona to to teach me Swahili, wich she gladly accepted to do!

Luckily enough, Berit was just about to travel to Europe for some fundraising.

She suggested that we meet in Luxembourg, for a little chat, and getting to know each other.

We agreed on a Sunday, and I jumped on a morning train arriving in Luxebourg by lunch time. Berit and her lovely friend Margot picked me up at the station, and we all went back to Margot's home. Over a lunch I received a lot of useful information about the IOP (Ilula Orphan Programme) and we had a nice little chat.

The day was wrapped up with some sightseeing in the city, before I jumped on the train back home again.

I don't have words to describe the excitement, and happiness I felt while coming back to Brussels! With my little guidebook to volunteering, and knowing that my application was accepted, I was more floating on a fluffy cloud than anything else.

Now, I could start dealing with planning, practical and administrative issues et.c

Finally, I could sigh of relief...

First little steps

After sending my initial e-mail to Berit, she replied back to me, asking me a few questions.
She wanted to know if I had any previous experience with volunteering, or travel in developing countries, and if I speak Swahili. She also asked for my motivation, reasons to travel, and what I would want to do in Ilula.

I replied back, answering all her questions, filled out my application form and sent it back.

Step 1 was completed.

Now, waiting to find out wether I was accepted or not

*sigh*

Better late than never....

That's what I've always been told anyway....

I should have done this back in February, when it started to form into a real plan, but that didn't happen, so I guess there will be catching up to do as of now.

To take it all from the beginning:
Since Christmas 2008, I have nourished a thought of a major get a way, an escape from my real world, to discover something new.
Played with the idea of a beach holiday, back pack in Australia, discovering NYC and Washington DC, but nah, something was still missing, it didn't feel quite right.

I spent a weekend with a friend and as we watched a documentary about the witch children in Nigeria, and the work this organisation did to help them, I realised it.
I AM GOING TO VOLUNTEER!

I got in touch with some organisations, but Nigeria was way too dangerous.
And many organisations charge ridiculous fees for an assignment, so - rethink!

One of my colleagues has worked in Tanzania, so I asked her if she had any contacts, and she gave me Berit Skaare's name.
A short email with an instant reply and things started to happen.....