About Katie Gibson

Namaste!
This will be my final post as a 2009 GVN/VSN volunteer in Nepal. What to say?? This has been an incredible experience – and leaving is bittersweet. Originally my trip was supposed to be 4 weeks volunteering + 2 weeks travelling. There are several reasons for cutting the trip short, namely my difficulty adjusting and the political situation (which at the moment poses no real threat but has the potential to suddenly deteriorate). I should mention that the decision to leave has nothing to do with GVN/VSN – in fact, the organizations have been extremely flexible, supportive, and caring throughout [...]

Hi everyone,
Well, we have just completed our first 2 days of placement in Manamanju, Kathmandu, Nepal. The village (which reminds me more of a sub-burb) is pleasant. The people are very welcoming and the children are adorable.  Paul and I have been sick, on and off, for the last week – making it difficult to adjust. For this reason, and a few others, we have decided to come home early. Our 1-month volunteer service will now only be 2 weeks in total. Thankfully the children’s home where we are helping is very self-sufficient and well run. The children are generally [...]

Hi Everyone!
I can’t make this post very long as we just never know when they will cut power next. However, I want you to know that Paul and I are doing fine and adjusting as best as we can – it’s a big change! Fun facts about our trip so far…
- Great flights – very pleased!
- Bought a new camera in Doha (I think I may have already told you that).
- Paul’s lauggage was misplaced
- Crazy taxi drive from airport (so many cars/horns and no real organized system to traffic)
- Not a bad hotel – we’ve spiced up our room [...]

Hi!
I’m Katie (as most of you know) and I’m a recent University graduate from Ontario, Canada. I will soon be setting out on my Nepalese adventure with my travel partner, and best friend, Paul. Together, we will be volunteering as part of GVN’s Health Education program for 4 weeks. I was especially interested in this opportunity as a future medical doctor, and Paul has always wanted to see the Himilayas, so this program/trip will be a perfect fit for us! Upon completion of our volunteer time, we intend to spend a couple more weeks touring around, enjoying the beauty and [...]