The Countdown Continues

The last day of 2008. An incredible year in its busyness. It has just flown. 2009 tomorrow and all that a new year brings.

The South African part of the trip looks pretty organised. Whilst the dates to visit various programs are fluid I know generally what I will be doing and who I am meeting in KwaZulu Natal province. I have finalised the workplan for myself about the various activities that are required to get the project finalised on my return.

Kenya is on the agenda having heard today from BK who is organising the visit there to discuss possible projects with him.

Booked yellow fever vaccination and also dental visit for January.

Lots of little things to organise and it is now less than a month before I leave.

Anticipation is high and the break is well timed.

Project Plan

Spent most of today reviewing the document from the previous AUSAID application and putting together a plan for what I need to do whilst in Africa. Will nine weeks be enough time? It is starting to look busy.

The Countdown

Now on holidays and have two weeks to look through all the things to be done before I head off.
Biggest issue will be what to take and to leave behind. Loading up with files will add to the weight but I think this will be required. Also need to do a checklist of tasks to be completed here while I am away so the application to AUSAID can be completed asap on my return in late May.

Accommodation is sorted. Staying in a Zulu Village 20 minutes from Bergville.
Car is available for transport and that provides some independence.

Christmas is almost upon us. Giving is theme of Christmas. I am looking forward to the trip and serving in Africa.

More planning on Africa

So yesterday I met with two board members. John travels across each year and visits the various projects funded by AAF. We discussed some of the work I will be doing and how to go about it and some of the issues dealing with thew history and culture.
The area am in is steeped in history. Really only learned today the difference between Afikaaners and English speaking South Africans. They fought each other in the Boer War and I gather the Zulus fought against both.
On arrival I will be in Johannesburg for a weekend and will stay in some apartments and have dinner with a friend from the church Ans. She has lined up a local from Sowto to guide mearound Soweto (and keep me safe). I will have Sunday morning at Hillbrow Church and then make my way to Pietermarizburg (PMB) enroute to Bergville.Only 22 more work days till I leave.

African Aids Foundation display

African Aids Foundation update

Have spent the last few months reviewong documents and trying to get my head around the AAF funding in South Africa. Went to AGM on 22 November 2008 and was astounded to see the numbers there for the supporters function. They have over 600 people who are classified as supporters who raise or give money which explains how they have such a large income.

I also started trying to look at how previous support has been expended. To this end phoned South Africa Sunday night and had a long discussion with Monika from Philakahtle. I was a bit surprised after talking to her about what is needed. Things are not as they seem and this has sharpened my focus on what I should be doing in South Africa next year. Also spoke to Phum and she sounds just like she did the night we had her at our place for dinner.

It is 38 work days till my arrival in South Africa (but who is counting).

Africa Bound

Spent today planning the trip to SA and discussed wth a board member of AAF some of the priorities for what is needed before I go as far as helping out with the tax deductible application

Africa Bound

For some time I have been contemplating taking some time off work to do some voluntary work to recharge my batteries. I could take leave and do what many do to go and travel.
However I have always found travel focussed on viewing sights rather boring compared to learning about the culture and people.
My last holiday to Vietnam with my daughter was a memorable experience where we saw what many tourists do not see behind the organised tours and facade of what purports for tourism shows. We saw how villagers lived in modern Vietnam and how their society is changing.