Saturday, January 28, 2012

Plans for Tanzania December 2012



Every week when I've been at uni, and have waited out in the hallway for the nursing laboratory to open, I've pondered and admired the photographs on the wall. Over twelve months ago, a lecturer, Leonie, took a group of Nursing Students over to Tanzania on a volunteer mission, and the photos are on the wall for us to admire.

Every week, I'd stand and stare at them, and think what a fabulous opportunity this would be. What a wonderful way to be able to give to a community who has so little, and would appreciate the help and knowledge that a team of nursing students can bring. I can only begin to imagine what it must be like, to be in a strange country, welcomed and invited to work within the local community and to feel a sense of satisfaction to be able to perhaps make a difference, even a tiny difference. What a humbling experience to be immersed in a different culture, to be made welcome and to learn from the people of the village.

I honestly believe, that to be involved in an experience such as this, one would never be the same again.

You can imagine my excitement, when another trip for December 2012 was announced.

Over the time I was away, I spoke about this to my parents and my family. I'm blessed with their support. I'm so glad, that I was able to tell Dad about it before he died a mere two weeks later. It's a huge project for me to undertake. We are well off financially, and the volunteer experience is a costly one.

From this aspect, my journey to Tanzania has already started. I am to be involved in many fundraising activities, some group ones which we will organise through the university, but also my own private fundraising, to completely cover the cost of the trip. The trip leaves Australia on 15th December, 2012.

This year will be an exciting and busy one.

I plan to use this blog as a record of my plans and journey as I head toward my goal. There are many different things which will be a part of this dream. From personal issues, such as weight loss, planning for a Christmas for my family without me, to the more public and pertinent goals of raising the money and being part of a team with a common goal.

So many personal traits of mine have already been challenged. I am a very 'safe' type person. I don't go 'out on a limb' for anything, as I generally have an intense fear of failing, or even of falling short of the mark. I need to ask for help, something I've never done before, not for something like this.

Please join me on this journey, I invite you to read and follow my blog as I plan, achieve goals, suffer disappointments, and generally all the issues that come along with such a huge undertaking. I will learn to swallow my pride and ask for financial help, in the way of donations and for moral support, and support in any of the events I organise to help me reach my goal.

Like I said, I'm blessed with a supportive family and wonderful friends, and the support and encouragement is invaluable.

If you're interested in more information, you can follow this link.

Stay tuned for further updates. Thanks for following.

2 comments:

  1. What a great goal for the year! Look forward to following your journey. I have on my goals list to visit Tanzania one day too as the little girl I have sponsored through World Vision for many years is there. I'd love to meet her sometime and spend time with her and her family. Good luck with your fundraising and I'm so glad you are blogging about it. xx

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  2. This will be a life changing experience Jenny. I'll be following your journey & look forward to your updates. All the best with fundraising xx

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