outofoffice-jenx-blog

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1 Y E A R A N D C O U N T I N G 

Even though Cape Town feels a long way away, it’s never far from my mind. The memories I have there I will never forget. Arriving on that plane from Cape Town to Holland felt like home, I was nervous but excited to be back in Rotterdam where I’d known for a long time. I was ready for a new challenge. A year on, I’m settled, happy, moved into my own place, and ironically - very much “Back In Office”. Overnight those flip-flop days were over, and a new chapter begun. 

Kind Regards, 

Jen x

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Now what? 27/11/2017

It’s my last day in South Africa, there’s fast internet and no noise at all. No volunteers, none of my team, I can almost not sleep because there is no one around. The sun is shining and I can see the sea front and Table Mountain from the window. All my goodbyes are done. But how can I ever leave this incredible place? 

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Thank you Cape Town Family

To my Cape Town family, past and present. The amount of love, memories and bonds I have with you all is ridiculous. Writing this away from Cape Town makes me even prouder of what African Impact has achieved and continues to do so. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I think about you all, the projects and my time there often. It changed my life in so many ways, I will never forget or stop missing it.  Thank you all for an unforgettable last week. Keep being awesome, wherever in the world we all are now.

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Thank You Sports Project

To back where it all began. Never did I think signing up to a 4 week Sports Development volunteer experience would land me the most amazing opportunity and become my entire life ever since. So so lucky.

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Thank You Home From Home

To the project which holds a very special place in my heart ❤️ Home From Home is an organisation which provides long term foster care for vulnerable children in Cape Town. Many are affected or infected by HIV & Aids. HFH provides housing, support and a future within the children's own communities.

Developing my relationship with these cheeky, feisty and absolutely hilarious teenagers has been so rewarding and one of my biggest achievements to date. Helping them work towards (and for some, complete) their President's Award (Duke of Edinburgh Equivalent) this year has been an incredible journey and I'm so proud of them all. To those wonderful teenagers - keep being the determined and inspiring individuals you are.

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Thank You Red Hill Community

This wonderful lady, Vonnie and her daughter Juanita kindly had me to stay in their home within the community of Red Hill. Genuinely two of the most humbling people I have ever met. The community of Red Hill is the most warm, welcoming and incredible place to be a part of. Vuyi & Sophia, you are such inspiring principles of your schools. The joy in your students never failed to make me smile.

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Thank you Jane

Jane, you are a beautiful super hero. Thank you for giving us so much love everyday. You looked after me and became such a support away from home. The unconditional love you have for everyone in that house is amazing, we’d be lost without you. 

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Thank You Shecky

Sheck-man, thank you for your wise words and your kind heart. Thank you for making me laugh and making me realize I was wrong about a lot of things. Thank you for sharing your stories and for keeping all our bellies happy. This day was the best and I’m so happy I got to meet you and Jane. 

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MISS YOU 25/11/2018

This pair. Sums up everything (Erin soz about your head hardly being in this) Even before I left, I was already sad about not spending every minute of the day with these two. It’s crazy how quickly African Impact becomes family. HUH? 

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Cape Point Vineyards 23/11/2017

What better way to spend a Thursday?

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African Impact Team 24/11/2017

THANK YOU SO MUCH. 

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Dream Team 24/11/2018

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Street Sports 24/11/2017

The sports squad of 2017. I don’t think we’d get very far. Good job the kids smashed it for us. 

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Last Day 24/11/2017

My last day on project. Thank you thank you thank you for the most amazing afternoon. I am so proud of what African Impact does every day and moving on from you was the hardest thing. 

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Seapoint Shenanigans 19/11/2017

What to say about this day. Dora the explorer was born and I don’t think I’ve laughed about nothing since... (don’t put us together after ice cream)

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Kuyasa Graduation 18/11/2017

As my time in Cape Town came to an end, saying goodbye to the African Impact partners was by far the hardest thing to do. It was bittersweet spending my last visit at Kuyasa pre school celebrating the children’s graduation to primary school. It was one of the most humbling traditions I’ve ever experienced. Here’s me having a dance with the fabulous Head Teacher, in the classroom African Impact fundraised to rebuild with the help of our volunteers following a storm. Mrs Gushman would do everything to make her school succeed and it was a pleasure working alongside her and the other teachers. 

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Reunited 18/11/2017

Teacher Teacher! (This one time...)