Im on my way to Africa!

Just a quick post to say I'm on my plane, about to leave! Eventually got through security having set off every alarm and had my bag completely emptied (which took nearly an hour in total), and made it to the gate on time.

Speaking at both churches this morning was a real privilege, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to do so! I'm so blessed with an amazing church family - you're all amazing and so inspiring!

Look out Africa, here I come!!

Read more »

We filled the gap!

I really should have posted this earlier this week, but what with packing and writing a talk for this morning at both churches, time ran away with me!

Last Saturday was my 'filling the gap' dinner. I started cooking on the Thursday, spent all day Friday in the kitchen, and didn't sit down to eat on Saturday till 10pm, having fed 70 people with what I am told was thoroughly delicious food...! After the food costs were deducted, I raised a whopping total of £640 - over double what I had hoped!

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who came, and even bigger thank you to those who helped me: my wonderful Nan who assisted me with all the cooking; Grandad who peeled 10kg of spuds like a trooper and helped serve food; my Mum and Dad who helped with all the planning, preparation and tasting that went on during the year; Tim for his delicious ice cream and waiting services; Emma K (multi-talented harpist, viola-ist, honorary percussionist, university buddy and friend!) for her top notch waitressing and dish-washer-loading; Dan for taking photos of the evening whilst I was otherwise engaged; James for helping set the hall out and everyone who lent me slow cookers or vegetable dishes.

Here are a few photos from the evening!

Plating up the starters

Main courses

Dishing up dessert

The desserts waiting to go out

Read more »

12 days till Tanzania!

It's been a while since my last blog post so I thought I'd update you all with where I'm at. It's just 12 days till I fly to Kenya, (thankfully my flights are now booked!) where I'll spend a couple of days with our friends, Franklyn and Violet, before getting a coach to Musoma in Tanzania. I'll be staying there for 8 weeks, working with GoMAD. I then go to Zanzibar for 2 weeks before flying home on the night of the 8th December. I've had nearly all of my jabs, just got one rabies left to have and my malaria tablets are on order. I probably ought to think about packing at some point soon, in case I discover I've not got something I need!

A couple of weeks ago I had my orientation weekend where I got to meet the rest of the team I'll be working with in Tanzania.We learnt lots and had a full project briefing which was very exciting! I now have a better idea of exactly what I'll be up to in Tanzania, which includes building (water tanks, latrines or even a house!), health education and helping people with HIV get access to anti-retroviral drugs as well as working with the local children. I have started to learn some Swahili in preparation.

The team! Me, Amy, Natalie, Miriam, Rachel, Hannah, Ed (Left to right along the back) and Jamie and John (left to right at the front)

From the fundraising point of view, I have now raised enough to cover my basic costs. Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored me! Everything I raise now goes into the project funds, which we use for building materials etc. when we are in country, so the more I raise, the more we can do when we're out there. This Saturday is my fundraising dinner, and planning and preparation is well underway, with shopping lists made and time tables (nearly) drawn up. The basil forest for my pesto is thriving!

The basil forest!

Right now, I'm writing this whilst sat on a train on the way to Reading for my interview with Latin Link. Hopefully I'll be able to update you all soon with news on whether my place to South America has been confirmed, and where I will be off to!

Prayer requests:
Success for my fundraising dinner
Preparation and packing for Tanzania goes smoothly

Read more »