Woot! Great great great news! The interview (way back in October) went so well I was on a high for a couple days after. Just having a conversation about all the things I love made me feel fantastic for days.
But then I got news that other people were chosen for the 2 projects I originally applied for, one in Uganda and one in Sumatra.
So, I reapplied for more projects — basically all of them.
I also went to a TEDx Talk given by the Director of PWB and met her. When I told her my name, she said, “Wait, are you Margaux Yiu?”
I said, “Uh, yeah.”
And she said, “Oh my God, it’s great to meet you in person! I love your work! I heard your interview and went to your website. I can’t tell you anything for sure, but I can tell you you’re on the shortlist!”
Well, that was in November, and there was no other news except that other people were being chosen for projects.
But on Friday, I got an email saying
I was chosen to go to Botswana in a few months!So, woohoo! I’ll be volunteering with a free veterinary clinic in and around Maun, Botswana, that is trying to tame the stray animal problem — and it does sound like a huge problem for human health, wildlife endangerment, and the tourism economy, among others.
Thanks for the advice, tui. I’ve travelled overseas quite a bit and I’ve had lots of experience trudging my camera equipment through remote places, so I’m well stocked on backup options. I’m also quite familiar with living in the rough and have also already been to Africa (Kenya and Tanzania 7 years ago), so I know what to expect. There’s no danger of culture shock or homesickness on my part. I’ve never felt those things anywhere I’ve gone. More often, I’ve been reluctant to come home at all!

But thanks for your advice and concern. It’s good advice for a newbie traveller, for sure. (Which, I’m not!)
So, I’m completely thrilled right now, and will have to set up a crowdfunding page within a week or two!