The Adventure Has Already Begun...

I'm a planner. I find planning reassuring. A well-executed plan is effective for obtaining your goals and can save time and money, help motivate, avoid disappointment, reduce anxiety, build anticipation and help clarify your future. However, there are times when plans must be altered, or even demolished and rebuilt in order to follow your instincts. There are times when an opportunity presents itself and you must decide to live the adventure.

I had forgotten the days preceding my first Global Village experience. If you are lucky enough to be confirmed early in the process, there is a waiting period. For someone who has spent the greater part of her life planning, organizing, managing time, and juggling the ever changing demands of a career and family, waiting seems more like an endurance test. Not having the answers before making a decision is an active test of faith.

At this point in the process, my Global Village team leader is still interviewing potential participants. I do not know who or how many, from where, or their build experience. It’s too early to know the details of the family we will be helping in Lesotho. I do not know the community where we will be building or the place where we will be staying. We did discuss basic expectations including: the anticipated type of work and work-site safety (which can vary greatly from Canada), the value of a good pair of shoes and gloves, shared accommodation with the possibility of sleeping bags & portable showers, essential & minimalist packing tips, meal expectations (basic with potential for work-site preparation), all travel requirements including documentation, and related health & safety recommendations.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve realized that my sense of adventure was responsible for sending the initial inquiry to Habitat for Humanity for the build in Lesotho. My experience, listened carefully to the details provided by the team leader during the phone interview. My instincts, were telling me to research and plan...but my heart made the final decision and confirmed this trip. Any concerns regarding the unknowns are secondary to the belief in the purpose.

Until the entire team is confirmed by the Global Village office, I wait...for additional information and for permission to reserve the flight arrangements. It's a test of patience, flexibility, endurance and faith…and so, the adventure has really already begun.  ♥ jp

Note:

• For more information or to inquire about participating in this build, see: Lesotho - Trip Schedule
• My Habitat Lesotho fundraising page will be made public soon. Please consider making a donation and help build a home for a family in need!

Habitat-itis

Yes, I have Habitat-itis. No, this is not a disease, but rather a term of endearment that participants of Global Village builds understand all too well...it is an infectious feeling that settles into the depths of your soul. I completed my first Global Village build in Kisii, Kenya in 2011. It was a culturally rich, authentic experience that changed the course of my life. It also changed my perspective on our world and left me craving more, which is why I found myself on my second GV build in Iqaluit, Nunavut, in 2013. Those with Habitat-itis know the feeling...it includes checking the Habitat Global Village Canada website for upcoming build opportunities on an ongoing basis. We are always waiting for the right time, the right circumstances, and the right opportunity...mine, just happens to be now.  

Kisii, Kenya - Preparing lunch at the build site!

At the end of August, a build opportunity was posted and I immediately requested additional information. As I read the description two things came to mind. The first, was that I missed Africa - the people, being immersed into another culture, the challenges of the build, the team experience, and my personal growth and perspective lessons. The second, was that this was a special build, in a place that I had rarely heard of. The statistics are heartbreaking and staggering, and I felt myself longing to help.

Children of Lesotho   

What have I learned about Habitat for Humanity Lesotho?

That the housing need in Lesotho is dire...about 68% of the population live in households defined as "poor" with unhealthy conditions due to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and exposure to the elements. The primary beneficiaries are families with orphans and vulnerable children. Lesotho has the second highest HIV/AIDS adult prevalence in the world with one in four people living with HIV. As a result, Lesotho has the largest percentage of children who have lost one or both parents. Should you be interested in more information about the families that receive assistance, see: Habitat For Humanity Lesotho

Kisii, Kenya - Team farewell ceremony.

On September 25th, I completed my phone interview with Tanya, the Global Village team leader for Lesotho. While we had never met, the conversation felt easy and familiar. As she shared details of the build and what to expect, we also swapped similar stories of our previous builds. By the end of the conversation, I was captivated and desperately trying to contain my eagerness to join the team. Shortly after the phone interview, I received my official confirmation! I was beyond excited to learn that I was invited to join the first Canadian Habitat for Humanity team in Lesotho, Africa!

As I prepare for the journey ahead, I hope to share the experience with you. Should you have any questions, or would like to inquire about joining our team, please don't hesitate to contact me. Should you prefer, you may also view the Global Village Trip Schedule for more information.

Ke a leboha,

Jill