2 Weeks Notice

12 Day's to go ... 

Before I start, I have to let you all know that due to an unexpected allergy to Chilli, I am unable to complete the Chilli Challenge but instead I'm provide you with very un-flattering picture of my swollen face and lip, and failed attempt at eating chilli's. 
Lucky Escape if you ask me! :D

With just under 2 weeks to go it is time to get both physically and mentally prepared.

I'm in the progress of finalising formalities before I leave. Time to think about the boring details like finishing work, ending my phone contract, cancelling subscriptions, packing (for real) and most importantly getting medical clearance :/ !!!

I am currently in the process of packing up everything I own, as well as my backpack! My room is being painted while I am away, so its starting to feel a little like I am really packing up my entire life to moving away. A very odd feeling, but still pretty surreal that I will be living in Malawi for three months....I'm sure it will hit me soon enough.

I have heard all good things about Malawi from everyone including my doctor and travel nurse, to the odd stranger that has donated or attended one of my fundraising events. My excitement only mounts as I heard back from a returning volunteer and Sangilo Team Leader Becky, currently in Malawi (see you very soon!). 
Thank you for the advice, I have now added a library and stationary shop to the packing list *hehe*

We are edging closer and I only have £138 left to raise to reach my target so please help me out!

Text TANU55 £2/£5/£10 to 70070
or visit
My JustGiving Page 

xx

Sharp Scratch!

18 Day to go ...

This was pushed back as long possible, but about a month ago I dragged myself down to the travel clinic for my first set of vaccines. 

After the usual form filling and medical history, I was whisked away into a side room, where I was asked a few questions about my travel plans and destination. This was inevitably followed by the summary of dangers and health risks that accompany such an adventure. 
As you can imagine, it wasn't a short list! 
When making the decision to volunteer in Africa, the thought of vaccines, malaria and disease prevention didn't even cross my mind. Looking back, it's definitely something I should have thought about.

With the number of blood tests I've had over the years, I am no stranger when it comes to  needles.....it's only a good thing that I forgot how sore your arm gets afterwards. Ouch!

I can happily say that this week I had my very last two vaccines, but I'm not exactly what you would describe as "the picture of health", so it looks like I'll be taking another trip to the hospital, as I apprehensively await full medical clearance. 
I remain a little nervous but still hopefully that it will be good news. 
 Fingers crossed! 

xx

P.S Don't forget about today's Friday Fun-Day at 3pm in Harris + Hoole, Crounch End!!!

Engage Stage - Mission Accepted

Our Journey

As promised, I have returned with a training update and some photo's! 

Intensive training weekend it sure was...

We covered everything imaginable, from Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) and health & safety, to cross-cultural working and integration. As expected, there were also plenty of group activities and team building exercises.

With 22 in total, it wasn't a small group, but everyone was very friendly and it provided the prefect opportunity to meet others in the same boat. 

Being able to sharing our excitement and worries, helped to bring this currently surreal experience to reality.

Our Malawi group is a crazy bunch, but I love them all and can't wait to share this amazing experience with them!! The next time we will all see each other is at Heathrow airport for our departure.

After an action packed three days, I arrived home absolutely exhausted! All plans went out the window in favour of some quality time with my duvet ;)!

xx

P.S Hope no one minds me using the group photo :D x

Engage Training Weekend

Packed and ready to go

Blogging on the go.....

Currently en route to the April departure Engage Workshop after a near ticket disaster (stupid ticket machine)...why are there no human beings in train ticket offices these days!!!

Back to the important stuff....

Part of the ICS Lattitude programme, we are bound for fun packed and detailed traning weekend in preparation for the lead up to our departure......which is fast approaching!

Our training weekend is designed help get our heads around what is set to be a life changing experinece. It will cover everything from the ICS & Lattitude programme, emersing yourself into a new culture, health and safety, and cross cultural working. In addition, we will recieve our pre-placement information handbook, and have our inevitable questions answered. I know I definitely have some!

This also gives us the chance to meet our fellow team mates for the very first time! We will be spending a lot of time together over the next few months, so I suspect we are all excited and anxious to meeting one another, and in store for some quality team bonding. 

Bound for the beautiful, Britsh countryside of Buckinghamshire, and this weekend destined for some spring sunshine, I imagine we are going to have no problem settling in together.

I will hopefully have an update and some pictures to share with you come Monday...

(or if you have instagram @tanushrid)

Bye for now xx