Why this?

So lately, I have been thinking.. Why exactly do I want to do this?

Why spend 6 weeks volunteering when you can enjoy the summer?

Well, last time I did that, not only did I gain 10kg but I came back feeling like I didn't accomplish anything.
This year, I knew I needed to do something productive. Initially, I wanted to travel and yes, I did make plans to travel with my best friends during the summer. Then, I didn't really have the money to actually make the plans happen.

I'll be honest, I was saving the option of volunteering as my final alternative, but I felt like I made the right choice.

The whole preparation and fundraising for this programme has taught me a lot already like how to ask people to donate without sounding too desperate but convincing enough to get them to donate. I also got to experience the full support I got from my family and friends and that is what keeps me driving.

Back home, I used to dedicate my time outside school helping out the Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Ministry in my church on the weekends and also during the retreats. I basically grew up in CLOW, the things that I've learned not only when I was 9 but also when I was 17 are invaluable.

Here are some pictures! (I have no idea how long these pictures were but as you can see from the baggy clothes, it was a looong time ago)

Me (Left) and my group members during our presentation

 A few years later, I became part of the helpers team! 

 Look! We're leading the morning "workout" session (That's me on the far right)

And this is me, leading a group discussion with the kids about certain verses from the Bible. 

As I was going into my teen years, I also got involved with the church's youth ministry, Lifeteen. Their youth camps were the shaped my teenage years. I remember very well in 2010 when we, in groups, got to go to certain villages in the rural areas and spend a weekend with them. In my group, we got to help out with planting a few trees and also learn their ways of living and was truly humbled after this experience. I realised that there are many things that I took granted for which these people appreciate so much even when they have so little. 

After coming over to the UK, I realised how much I miss being part of these groups and how fulfilling the activities made me feel. I chose this Borneo 6-week programme because not only did it involve helping people out, but I get to do this in my hometown.

I know that there are people suffering too in other countries, some even worse than others. But let's not look too far first, 30 mins drive out from my hometown and you'll come across villages that lack proper roads and schools. Further into the isolated areas, you'll find places where there aren't even proper supply of electricity. You'll say that they are living the simple life but how about the education of the younger generation?

When my mum started being part of the building of a girls' dormitory in a small town area back in Sabah, I remember being so shocked to hear that some of the school kids need to walk about 2 hours to go to school. 2 HOURS! Although this might discourage some to attend classes, these kids are willing to do this day after day as they realise how important education is, even if it means waking up at 4am every school day.

I'll be working with the Borneo Child Aid in Tawau where they built classrooms for the kids in the plantations as the nearest school was too far away from their homes. Knowing that I will be spending a few weeks there helping the kids with their after school activites makes me feel like I will and can change lives, though not many but at least I'm making a difference in some of their lives.

So really looking forward to all the teaching projects!

More of my thoughts to come soon :)

Till then,
Liza x

The Leap

HELLO! Sorry for the temporary halt in fundraising as I had a lot of catching up to do with my studies as mock week was drawing near. Fortunately, that is all over now and I can focus back to my fundraising!

Okay, sadly, I wasn't able to reach my £500 goal by the 15th of March but thankfully the organiser of the whole project is understanding enough to give me some time to pay the installments.
I don't think I have mentioned who the organiser is so basically, I'm going to give you guys the low-down about them.

They're apparently the "people to go to" for Gap Year/Volunteering work. I have been exchanging emails and even having skype sessions with their staff and they are super helpful and friendly! They are so experienced in what they do that they make you feel safe in their guidance.
I did raise my concern (actually fear) of being in the jungle for 5 days and they somehow managed to get me thrilled to be one with nature in the end!

No, I do not get any commission or discount by doing this post. I'm just simply sharing my experience with them and if there is anyone out there wanting to volunteer overseas but is scared to join one, try checking TheLeap out. You might not find it to your liking but hey, at least you know someone is going for it and wait till July and you'll get my feedback.

Another thing that is good about them is that they are transparent with their projects. This is particualrly very convenient and helpful when asking big businesses or your school to help (speaking of experience here). They were so willing to give me the breakdown of the costs that I am happy to let you all see so to those who have donated or who will *fingers crossed*, you will know where your money is actually going into.

I went to the length of making a pie chart for you all, makes it easier for those who are lazy to read. Power to the Visual Aids!!

(click to enlarge)

So yeah, most of the money goes to accommodation, which not only includes the places that we stay but also the bus rides, boat rides, car rides to and from the project areas, and FOOD. After some complex calculations, that's an average of about £28 (RM150) per day.

There you go! These are all the updates that I can share with you now and thank you all so much again for supporting me in your own special ways :)

Special shoutout to those who donated recently;

Jordan & Alisson, Heidi, Shaf, Aunty Judy, Cass, Yen San, Aunty Nil and Aunty Emmy, you guys make my heart all warm inside. 

You guys make me so happy. 

Till the next time,

Liza x