Hello From Bunda Tanzania

Hi everyone,


All apologies for the delay in the blog posts, securing an internet connection on the border of the Serengeti. But never the less we are up and running now and the whole team is very excited to share our stories so far. Enjoy

When I applied to the Child and Youth Work program I never dreamed it would lead to heading to Tanzania for a 3 week learning opportunity. As a member of the Helping Children Thrive group on the Breath of Life team I have the opportunity to bring a child and youth work perspective to an inter-professional team.


We are less than a week away from boarding the airplane. Surreal is the only word I can think of to describe my thoughts at this moment. For the last 6 months I have been fundraising, planning and preparing for this trip but up until now it seemed more like a school project where we imagine and plan a program than an actual project. My excitement and anxiety are all bundled into one new emotion. I am leaving behind three children and a very supportive partner. The journey that I am about to embrace is beyond my imagination. I know that my preparation will have been inadequate and that I will just have to jump into the unknown and be as flexible as water.  The entire faculty involved has been so supportive and encouraging which has definitely helped to calm my nerves. The Child and Youth Work program encourages us to step outside our comfort zone. At this point I can no longer even see my comfort zone.

Sarah

Now I'm ready(?)

After over a year of planning and training, the last few days before we leave is no less stressful. Packing bags (what to take, how much to take), ensuring our supplies arrive on time, and spending as much time as possible with family.
But after all of that, yes, I am very excited. This is a trip that I would never have imagined doing. A true bucket list item.
Curtis