May 4th 2012
After frantically working this week to complete my to-do-list before I leave for my trip, I feel a great pride in crossing all the items on my to-do-list, and clearing my desk in preparation for my return as of 3:45 pm on a Friday.
This was quite an intense week for me while preparing my suitcase at home for my trip, working my way through the details of my work so that things continue to get done when I am away (thanks to my colleagues for being so flexible and supportive of me), communicating with folks over the BOCAIP to plan for my mandate, preparing documents to take with me to Botswana for my volunteering work, doing last minute shopping for the trip, and forgetting to eat lunch several times this week. I was even able to squeeze a dinner meeting with a very nice lady from Botswana whom I met at the L4C orientation workshop and who gave me great insights into the local life in Gaborone and what to watch for. I feel totally prepared. I also registered myself with the Canada Travel Abroad Registry so that they can keep track of me if I get lost in transition and translation. I did not know the existence of such a program before.
I feel sorry for my kids and my husband that they did not get a chance to eat homemade food this week, and I thank them for being so supportive and patient with me during this time. You guys are great. I already miss you and I love you very much!
