I had a leaving party on Saturday - 15 of my closest friends and family for a really nice, relaxed food and drink session in the garden in the sunshine. It was lovely. But then I had to say goodbye to them all, and say 'see you in April'! Although it was a bit weird, and in some cases quite sad, it felt right. I started to feel like this is definitely the right thing for me. My uni friends are all either in part-time work looking for something more permanent, or continuing with further study. Neither of those options feels like it would work for me right now. I'm not ready to find a career in which to settle, and I certainly don't want to be back at uni. I'm not even sure yet that I want to return to that world at the end of 2012, but there's still time to figure that out.
Sangam is the right thing for me right now. That's how I feel. This is definitely a good thing seeing as I fly in less than 2 weeks. I have recently been suffering a little bit from the panic that I guess (I hope) everyone feels as a big event draws nearer; am I going to enjoy it, what if I don't, was I stupid to choose this etc. But now I'm starting to feel ready for it. I started reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts; his description of India made me excited to be going back - it really did become a place that I felt at home last time. And I also started to think more about girlguiding and what Sangam represents.
I've always been involved in Girlguiding; it's always been a hobby and I guess a passion. Although many friends give me (what I hope is goodhumoured) stick about it, I've never considered that it's something I might not be involved with as much and for as long as possible. Back in sleepy Faringdon, I didn't have all that many opportunities available to me within the organisation, nor the confidence to take up any that did arise. That's all changing and I'm hoping that my term at Sangam will be the start of being able to get involved with the really amazing side of Girlguiding as well as the everyday enjoyment of running a brownie unit with some other awesome and inspiring people.
I never seem to be able to describe this very well, so I'm going to direct you to Jessica's blog. Jessica is from the USA and is my co-Long-Term-Winter-Volunteer at Sangam - meaning she arrives and leaves at the same time as I do (there will also be other vols who are already there, and who will arrive after we do). Her blog makes mine look rubbish really, but I really agree with her assessment of what girlguiding (scouting in the US - the only real diference is the name and that they sell cookies!) is all about. She writes that "at its heart, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides foster the growth and success of girls and young women, encourage them to strive towards and achieve their dreams, and work tirelessly to change the world and make it a better place" - totally agree, thanks Jessica!
So yes, I am starting to feel like I'm mentally prepared, and I'm getting closer to being physically prepared as well. A practise pack is looming....
TTFN
Sangam is the right thing for me right now. That's how I feel. This is definitely a good thing seeing as I fly in less than 2 weeks. I have recently been suffering a little bit from the panic that I guess (I hope) everyone feels as a big event draws nearer; am I going to enjoy it, what if I don't, was I stupid to choose this etc. But now I'm starting to feel ready for it. I started reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts; his description of India made me excited to be going back - it really did become a place that I felt at home last time. And I also started to think more about girlguiding and what Sangam represents.
I've always been involved in Girlguiding; it's always been a hobby and I guess a passion. Although many friends give me (what I hope is goodhumoured) stick about it, I've never considered that it's something I might not be involved with as much and for as long as possible. Back in sleepy Faringdon, I didn't have all that many opportunities available to me within the organisation, nor the confidence to take up any that did arise. That's all changing and I'm hoping that my term at Sangam will be the start of being able to get involved with the really amazing side of Girlguiding as well as the everyday enjoyment of running a brownie unit with some other awesome and inspiring people.
I never seem to be able to describe this very well, so I'm going to direct you to Jessica's blog. Jessica is from the USA and is my co-Long-Term-Winter-Volunteer at Sangam - meaning she arrives and leaves at the same time as I do (there will also be other vols who are already there, and who will arrive after we do). Her blog makes mine look rubbish really, but I really agree with her assessment of what girlguiding (scouting in the US - the only real diference is the name and that they sell cookies!) is all about. She writes that "at its heart, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides foster the growth and success of girls and young women, encourage them to strive towards and achieve their dreams, and work tirelessly to change the world and make it a better place" - totally agree, thanks Jessica!
So yes, I am starting to feel like I'm mentally prepared, and I'm getting closer to being physically prepared as well. A practise pack is looming....
TTFN
Aw, thank you! Your blog is not rubbish, I was just admiring the lovely color scheme and also how introspective you are. :) I can't wait to write our blogs side by side and keep linking back and forth to one another!
ReplyDeleteAlso: I can't believe y'all don't sell cookies over there; I am going to have to coax several people into mailing me some in Sangam. Have you ever had a Girl Scout cookie? They are possibly the best things ever, and since they are only sold once a year during cookie season everyone goes slowly mad waiting for them to come back out and buy small mountains of them to "last the duration" (which they never do). They are amazing. Sighhh.
Nope, never had a girlscout cookie.
ReplyDeleteI'm always reminded of the Friends episode in which Ross sells loads to Monica... they're obviously good. You'll have to smuggle a whole load into Sangam for me to try!
And yes, co-blogging sounds great - I'll only have to write half as much!
:)