One week to go until I board a plane for Nairobi where I will be based for two years on a placement with VSO. The past 6 weeks has involved decanting my personal possessions into the three small boxes pictured above. Strange yet liberating to have so little to represent my 31 years.
I have been ready to go for a while now, the last of my VSO training was completed in September. There are two training residentials, several on-line modules and self-briefing volunteers need to complete prior to departure. Training looks at preparedness of the volunteer for the realities of volunteering long-term in the developing world and basic professional skills for working in that context. I will receive another week of training once I arrive in Nairobi more specific to Kenya.
I have also been jabbed more times I can count - my nurse at my local practice even got a bit teary after my final immunisation having spent so much time with me over the past 3 months. My airline ticket has been confirmed and visa is ready, and now have a final week of couch-surfing and goodbyes before I'm off. Will write again from the other side.
If you are not familiar with VSO, definitely check out their website (www.vso.org.uk).
If you are not familiar with VSO, definitely check out their website (www.vso.org.uk).
