Author Archives: Jessica

Leaving Tomorrow

Posted on by under Africa, Tanzania

Signing up for this trip a year ago it sort of felt like it would never actually happen. Now, I’m leaving in less than 24 hours. I’m extremely excited, not too nervous now, though I’m sure that will change. I’m trying my best to not make a big deal out of this, even if it is. It seems perfectly normal to fly off for three months to a foreign country to volunteer, mostly because I feel that most people I know (mainly UPSers) have done something like this, or study abroad, or both! So it doesn’t feel that unique, which actually helps a lot. What I’m not excited for would be the 10 hour flight followed by the 8 hour flight!

Just said goodbye to my Dad and Sister, this has been a hard week! I already miss them =(
Now it’s just my Mom and I until tomorrow.

48 hours; The Home-Stretch

Posted on by under Africa, Tanzania

The day after tomorrow, I will be on my way to Africa. The emotions that statement evokes are difficult to describe. Most accurately; anxiety, fear, excitement, sadness, and elation all mixed together. I feel a bit in a daze, the reality of it all hitting me hard this morning. I know, it’s only three months, many students have done study abroad for the same amount of time (if not longer), and I’m not going into the peace corps (27 months!), but it’s still Africa, and it still scares me. Part of me just wants to be on that plane already! the anticipation is almost too much to handle, and at the same time I don’t want to leave the comfort of the US.

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Back On Track

Posted on by under Africa, Tanzania

T-60 hours!!!
After careful consideration, we’ve decided to just pay, though this is irritating apparently it is quite typical of the government! I suppose whats $500 in terms of a once in a life time opportunity? And if this is all that goes wrong, then it will have been quite a smooth trip. I fully anticipate other “difficulties” to be encountered, hopefully my electronics will not decide to die.

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Government Intervention

Posted on by under Africa, Tanzania

My program manager just called to inform us that the Tanzanian government has decided to increase the permit (for volunteer/work) by $500.00 for long term workers (so, me). Options include shortening my visit to 8 weeks, then coming home, or staying for a month on my own in Tanzania (SCARY), or paying the fee. Not sure what to do, although not surprised by this it is quite irritating, and was decided this previous weekend. While I am tempted to come home early (early October), I also think that doing so could be a mistake I would later regret. We have until tomorrow morning to decide…