Source: Google Images
Those of you who have been keeping up to date with nepalilovestory on facebook will know that I went for an interview last week for some volunteering work. I had originally applied so that I would be able to travel back to Nepal and continue helping, learning about and exploring the country that is so dear to my heart.
Yet, just before my interview I was told that, instead, they would only be running South Asian volunteering placements in Bihar. I ummed and ahhed – Bihar was not Nepal – but at least it was close by. With that in mind, I turned up for a selection day at the charity to pursue my application.
I had an interview at 9am followed by a document check, slideshows and talks, group activities and case studies. It was a lot of hard work and we didn’t finish until after 4, but all the other applicants were so lovely and we had a good laugh. As part of the group exercise we had to build bridges whilst having members of the charity peer over our shoulders with clipboards. It felt a bit like the final stages of The Apprentice!
I had such a good day there and was really excited to hear back from the charity – even if it wasn’t Nepal! They said that they would contact us all after 7/10 working days.
However, I did not have to wait that long, as less than 24 hours later I got a phone call from the charity telling me that they loved me and wanted me to volunteer with them! I was absolutely over the moon. He then told me where I would be going:
I was booked on a trip to Uganda leaving on April 27th.
Source: Google Images
Uganda?! I had my heart set on going to South Asia. That is where my knowledge is based. That is where my career will eventually be. Why did they match me to go to Uganda?
I had so many thoughts whizzing through my mind and the charity said they would give me some time to think about my answer. But half an hour later I had already decided I was going to Uganda. It didn’t need much thought. I want to help change the world. It doesn’t matter where.
Now everything is confirmed and I will be really busy until I fly out there. M is happy for me although he is sad it is all happening very quickly and we will be apart again. Till then I will need to do some training, fundraising and make the most out of my time with M!
