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Published: April 21st 2007
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Posing...
Duncan and Alex I just realised I've been writing this for three weeks and haven't even really mentioned the people I'm living and working with! One of the most exciting things about volunteering is meeting new people, getting to know volunteers that have come from all over the world, and so in a way, finding out more about the world and broadening your own horizons. It's those people you meet that make an experience, and I hope I'll stay in touch with some of the volunteers once I'm home. There are 15 volunteers in total, and a GVN (Global Volunteer Network) rep.
I'll be honest about my first impressions during those first few days at camp. At first it was quite difficult to settle in, as many of the volunteers in our house had already made friends, formed groups and seemed a little indifferent to our arrival. At first I did feel a little unwelcome, as the people in our house didn't seem all that interested in getting to know us. I think some people were genuinely shy as well. I'm not being vindictive as I write this, I'm giving an honest account of my time here. I'm sure it's something that
a lot of volunteers face. Over the last two weeks, this situation has improved. Debbie and I actually received apologies from two of our housemates, they explained that they found it hard to have new people coming in, living in the house, and sharing food. I found that difficult to understand, as surely that is the nature and the excitement of volunteering. But an apology is an apology and I respected them for it.
Despite this shaky start I personally feel as though I have met some really great people. There are two guesthouses, and a good mix of nationalities and ages. Me and Debbie live with Jayme, 18, Megan, 29, Channing 19, all from the US, Duncan a 20 year old Canadian, Alex, 18, and Jenny 19, both from the UK and James the 24 year old GVN rep who is also English. Invasion of the Brits! The other house has a great bunch of people I sometimes wish I'd lived over there as our house is a mess! They are Gareth and Cathy, an Aussie couple who are 26 and 23, Ania and Ada from Poland both in their twenties, Francesca a 33 year old Kiwi, Silvain
19 from Holland, and Sarina a 20 year old Canadian.
We are all here for different reasons and yet we are working towards the same goal - building the Buduburam community, developing the camp and experiencing new things. Most of the volunteers are really motivated and work hard. We have meetings to discuss camp and volunteer issues, James is there to help sort any problems - there is a good support network here. I've had fun working with them as it's also a mix of personalities and backgrounds, we are all at different stages in our lives. Many of the people in our guesthouse are pretty young, doing volunteering as a gap year experience. Most are here for three months and I'm a bit jealous. I wish I could have stayed longer, but then I'm not on a gap year, I have a job and bills to pay! I'll definitely go for longer next time I volunteer.
I think we have all made the most out of this experience in different ways. A lot of the volunteers have pushed for change in their departments, some have helped refugees financially, many are enjoying being in a different culture and
having our eyes opened to life in Africa. I've done all of those things and so do feel that I've made the most of my time here. Unfortunately some have had negative experiences, some of which I won't write about yet. Volunteers do seem to get ill fairly regularly as well, I think at least five of them have had malaria during their stay. Poor Channing had it pretty badly, but she's on the mend now. Tummy upsets are common too as a result of poor hygiene and poor quality food. But we're a tough bunch, so don't worry Mum I'll be alright.
As a result of living with people from all over the world I'm starting to say things that are entirely un-British, some phrases and expressions are rubbing off on me. For example, I say 'eh?' or 'huh' at the end of many of my sentences, a consequence of living with Canadians and Americans. US phrases are also worming their way into my vocabulary. 'Have a nice day!' 'whatever' 'Friends? I frickin' love that show!' Oh dear. If I talk to Gareth for too long I find myself saying 'heaps' as an emphasing word 'yeah! It's heaps
good!'. I'm trying to keep my Englishness and so can often be found exclaiming 'bloody hell!' or 'bugger' by way of protest. Slightly Victor Meldrew, perhaps?
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vicki
non-member comment
love your writtings
Cat, I love reading what you have written. My daughter will be in the camp in June, and reading your blogs have given me some idea of what she will be experiencing soon.