Tuesday 23 November 2010

From the hills of the UK to the hills of Rwanda

This weekend I was enjoying the hills and beaches of North Wales, last weekend it was the hills of the Lake District, in a few weeks it will be the hills of Rwanda. I don't think they will be snow covered though!


I received confirmation of my flight details last week and so I will be leaving these shores on January 15th 2011 from Manchester airport. I will be meeting up with the rest of the group in Brussels because they will be flying from Heathrow.We continue our journey to Kigali (the capital of Rwanda) together. There is sooo much to do before then, however.

  • letting my home to good tenants
  • storing furniture, goods and tackle
  • organising finances, including tax!
  • enjoying the company of friends and family
  • improving my written French
  • learning some spoken Kinyarwanda
  • preparing for the last VSO training course
  • planning what I need to take
I think that list is long enough for now, I'll get panicky if I write anymore.

Looking forward to seeing my sisters, sister in law and brother for our Christmas lunch next weekend xx
Love Tricia

Thursday 18 November 2010

20 passport pics...

The 20 passport sized pics required for all the visas and official paperwork are printed and ready to be sent off. Tricia's mug shot will be all over Rwanda by January!

Monday 15 November 2010

Job offer confirmed

Hi everyone

I received a message from VSO to say that the employers have confirmed acceptance of me to work for them - hurrayyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soooo 8 weeks from today I will be off. I'm going to miss so many people and friends so I've got a lot to fit in before January 14th 2011.

Everything I do at the moment I am thinking -'Oh, I won't be able to do this in a while, because I won't be here, I will be there' This weekend I had a lovely time with a special friend going for our annual late Autumn walk in the Lake District. As none of us is up to our usual extremely high level of fitness we did my favourite low level walk - the Elterwater Round. It is a walk that has so many beautiful memories as well as two great pubs complete with blazing log fires and at least two Afternoon Tea stops (Tea lady: 'It's very warm in here when the wood burning stove is lit, it really kicks out the heat!' Us: Shame it's not lit! Thanks for telling us!')

Also:

  • been looking after George the house rabbit this weekend - who's going to do this when I go away?
  • took my turn on the Fairtrade stall in Rochdale market - hopefully a new 'kid' is starting soon to take my place
  • organized Christmas lunch in November with my 2 sisters, sister in law and brother - will it happen next year? Who will I eat christmas lunch with in 2011?
  • I need a posh frock for a do next weekend but is it worth paying out money just to put it in store for 2 years? Answer: No .... so what to do ? I have to wear something. ooh problems
Now it's Monday morning and I need to get on and finalise my documentation to send to VSO headquarters - 20 passport photos, 2 copies of passport, 3 notarised copies of qualifications, original of CRB certificate etc, etc.
Also need to make arrangements for the Lettings Agent to come and view my home so that I  can let it out whilst I  am away, continue to sort my material possessions and make decisions - but that's a whole other story.
Please don't forget to visit my 'Just Giving' page and leave a message for me. If you have any questions etc about the whole thing please ask and I'll do my best to answer.

Love to everyone, Tricia

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Doing my CBT in preparation for biking in Africa!

VSO advises you to take your CBT in preparation as much of my travel while out in Africa will be on a trail bike.  You also have to take a helmet with you that passes UK safety standards.  They also recommend taking a spare visor as the dirt, mud and stones thrown up while travelling about on dirt tracks damages the visors easily.  I bought a bright white helmet made by 'box'! I passed my CBT at Valley Bike School, Rossendale. It was great fun on my scooter!  Sara and Karen passed their's too...we all got into it after having 'get on' taster session.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Visit my 'Just Giving' page...

Hi to all my friends and family. Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. As you know, in January 2011, I am going to Rwanda for 2 years with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) I will be sharing my skills with headteachers and working alongside colleagues in Education. The funding for my placement is secure so I don't have to raise money in order for me to go, but VSO need to add to their funds so that other people can go in the future. (Wow, that was a long sentence!) Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. VSO gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.