The Reason Why

Why am I giving up my summer to volunteer at Botshabelo? 

This questions has been asked countless times since I began talking about this trip.  I do not have clear answer, but I will try to help others understand...

Not many people know that when I was 17, I desperately wanted to join the Peace Corps.  I wanted to travel and make a difference in the lives of the people I met.  I sadly, did not join the Peace Corps... I was afraid of joining alone.  I didn't think I would ever attend college if I didn't go right after high school.  I have always looked back at that decision with regret.  Please don't get me wrong, I loved college and the life I had during that time, but I still wish I had been brave and created my own path in the world.

I see volunteering at Botshabelo as a small way to fulfill my Peace Corps dream, to erase the regret I look back with and to give back to a community that was founded specifically to help others.  This is my chance to do something incredibly worthwhile.  Does volunteering this summer mean I "won't have a summer vacation"?  Sure, but I don't see it that way.  Volunteering this summer means I will have an adventure of a lifetime, meet new people, experience a new way of life, love, help and support people who are in need and see a part of the world that I have never seen before.  I do not view this experience as me missing out on summer vacation... I view this trip as an amazing experience that I am privileged to have.

I cannot express my gratitude enough to Kay, my connection to Botshabelo, for including me in this adventure!

 

A Big Announcement

This June I will embarking on one of the greatest adventures I have been involved in.  I am heading to South Africa to volunteer at the Botshabelo Orphanage.  My plan is to be in South Africa for a month and be a part of their community.

Botshabelo, meaning "a place of refuge", was started in the early 90's by a couple, Marion and Con Cloete.  They gave up their lives and started this community that provides a home for people who need it.  Since 1990, Botshabelo has worked to become a self-sustaining community and more importantly, a place of safety and family to South Africa's AIDS orphans and economic orphans.  The community includes an orphanage, school, village, medical clinic and organic farm.

Spending a month at Botshabelo is a dream come true for me, however it does not come free.  It is my goal to be able to offer a monetary donation to the community when I arrive to cover the expense of my stay.  I am hopeful that my friends and family understand how important this is to me and get involved.  I am donating my time and I am hopeful that the people in my life will donate their money... even just a few dollars is helpful.

Please check back frequently for updates... I am so looking forward to this adventure and truly feel blessed to have this opportunity.

With open arms and a heart full of love,

Kaity