From the first moment I decided to go on a GAP year I wanted to go to Africa. I wasn't particular about where, but my five years (83-87) in Zimbabwe had fuelled my desire. The main reason I had for going was my love of the music, the clear harmonies and spirituality of African song. I set my heart on teaching songs to a choir and learning about their own Musical Mind in return.
But this was not to be. 1996 marked some of the biggest events in my life. A-levels, leaving school (finally!) University worries and now this. My five rejections and one offer
The disappointment of UCAS was difficult to accept. I was predicted AAB, why did no-one want me? 'It's okay,' I'd say, 'I'll get in next year'. But the hope was gone. The same thing with USPG 'they'll find a place, it's okay'. I'm not one to wallow in stress and depression though and I just move on to the next thing. Always looking forward.
So I went to the EEPS (Experience Exchange Programme) training, ever hopeful, with no idea about my future. Indeed it wasn't until September that I learned about coming to India with C. so I had less than two months to raise £2,000 and prepare!
I didn't know anything about India. I bought some books and read them but only now do I understand the things they were talking about. My life follows the same pattern now, planning, cancelling then going at the last minute. So it'll be interesting to see what happens in the next two months. Maybe I should call this 'WTF happened to me in India?' or 'my search for something else...'