Getting ready to…Gaborone!
Posted by Sylvie on April 20th, 2009
My name is Sylvie Vigneux and I am just finishing up my first year at the University of Guelph in a General Arts program. On April 25th, I will be leaving behind my friends, my family, and my familiar home-country to spend 6 weeks in Botswana. Six weeks doesn’t exactly sound like a long time, but after speaking with those who have done this before me, I get the feeling it will be just long enough to change my life!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong desire to go to Africa and experience a life unlike my own – a different climate, different people, a whole new culture. My motivation for going on this trip is to get a glimpse of this and, hopefully, to bring a piece of it back to Canada with me. I’m so excited to learn and grow as an individual and I hope that I can share some of my experiences with the new people I meet and with my friends back home.
I am unsure, at this point, of where my volunteer placement will take place, but I can’t wait to find out. I look forward to the challenge of learning the new skills I’ll need to do this – although my excitement is definitely mixed with some nervousness! It’s hard to know what to expect, but I know that if I approach this adventure with an open mind and a smile, I won’t regret a moment of it.
Sylvie….Thank you for your nice VM and for letting me follow along with your blog. I know you will make a big difference in the lives of the people you meet on this trip. I hope that you have LOTS of fun too.
XOXO Auntie Helen
Hey Sylvie – great to know you’re enjoying the wonders of your experience thus far!!
I’m looking forwrd to seeing your pictures – particularly the flora and fauna and your observations of customs and nuances.
What is a typical day is like for you and the school kids?? Are they in uniforms?
I hope you have time to learn aspects of Setswana?? Maybe sing us some songs upon your return?
I’m reading that Gaberone is the fastest growing city in Africa – could that be true?? Sounds like the diamond industry is spurring this development?
Hope you get to see some great things at the museums and art galleries?? From what I’ve read, the people are great story tellers through their art, weaving and aural history telling.
OK..better go – but wanted to send you a warm spring-filled greeting from Kemble as you start your grand adventures!
Lots of love, Beth Anne
Hey Sister,
I hear that you’re becoming even more worldly than before – Africa will be incredible, and more so now that you are living within it’s boundaries. Stay safe.
I love you and miss you dearly,
Timothy
Thank you for any updates, but when you’re there you’re there so don’t feel you have to. I’m excited you’ve actually “gone and done it”. That in iself must feel liberating! Good for you. Enjoy.
love,
Martin
Sylvie, only a few more days to soak up the richness of Botswana and the lives of the people you’ve met. I’m sure you’re leaving a Sylvie footprint in Africa. Perhaps you’ll return someday to put another beside it. Who knows.
I’m looking forward with great glee to having you back home.
Love and hugs and little kisses,
Mariella