Africa is Just Around the Corner

I knew these last few days would probably come around too quickly, but I still can’t believe that in 14 hours I will be boarding a plane to Africa! It is 1:15am and I have literally just finished the long task of packing, squeezing and bounding all my belongings! I have had to reject so many things from my original pile and just about squished the necessities in.

 

We only received the flight details on Friday, so after eagerly awaiting for weeks we were eventually able to plan last our goodbyes. Unfortunately due to issues with availability our group has been split into three, with separate flights. So there are 10 in my group, which is the first flight from Heathrow. It’s going to be good to get to know everyone better and share our excitement!

I have no idea what to expect for my next ten weeks, which is a little daunting, but also a huge adventure. Now that I have finally done everything I am beginning to feel a little nervous and slightly wish I had a few more hours tomorrow to relax and catch up on sleep before I go. For those of you who don’t know, I will be living in tents without running water and electricity throughout my stay in the rural community, which is going to be challenging! So it would have been nice to enjoy one last bubble bath too! We’ve also been told we have to dig our own long drop…

 We will be living, working and sleeping in a team of 12 with 2 team leaders. Half of these will be UK volunteers and the other half will be Tanzanian, so I am excited to get stuck in with the locals and learn some Swahili! We will also be writing a blog as a team, which will be typed up at base camp every week or so. If you would like to hear about what we are doing then please follow my team on http://www.raleighinternational.org/ri-blogs/raleigh-tanzania-ics

 

They should also post some pictures of us in action, so look out for my dashing hat and elegant rafting sandals…!

 If you would like to surprise me with a good old fashioned letter then that would be amazing! This will be our only form of contact and it would be nice to hear about the outside world J The address is:

Emma Gover
Raleigh Tanzania

PO Box 729

Morogoro

Tanzania

You’ll have to send it via airmail at the post office and it could take up to three weeks so please send it before the middle of August!

So here’s where it all begins. Thank you again for all the support from friends and family, particularly my Mum, Dad, Stu and Katy who have done a lot to help and encourage me throughout my adventures! I will see you all on 2^nd September J

Hakuna Matata!

 

Emma ..x