Message from Malawi

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Hello all! 

Yes it has been a while.

Although we were told there is no internet out here in the middle of no where....there is! Don't get too excited, connection is practically non-existent and it takes weeks to upload anything.

Last weekend we reached two milestones. First being I turned 21 (YAY!) and we officially past our halfway point!

Mid placement review, although held a week early to avoid election uproar, we were glad for the break and the opportunity to welcome our sub-team based in Mzuzu, to our home here in Sangilo.

My host home and new family have been absolutely lovely. I have inherited the world's most over-protective father and hard working mother ever, as well as a bunch of awesome kids. 

I am surprised by just how enjoyable going back to basics has been. I have come this far without missing running taps, showers, toilets, electricity, the internet and more...far from what I had originally expected before leaving the UK. 

Sangilo being unimaginably picture perfect has probably had a little to do with that! I couldn't wish to be anywhere else in the world. 

Progress on both nurseries and secondary projects have come on leaps and bounds in the last week. We have introduced new teaching and learning resources into nurseries that previously functioned with barely a blackboard and chalk, and continuing with adult literacy has been lots of fun...village elders make great students.

Teachers, Chiefs and nursery committees, charged with the same enthusiasm and energy as us volunteers, have injected immense efforts into the improvement of both nurseries to show a vast difference in comparison to where they started 5wks ago. We still have some way to go but I have no doubt in the team and communities dedication. 

The team here in Sangilo has become somewhat of a second family. Having built great friendships between both UK and Malawian volunteers, I look forward to keeping in touch in the future.

I must also say a Huge thanks to the team for throwing the best ever 21st birthday-nursery sleepover Sangilo has ever seen! They even made me actual cake, which out here is heaven on a plate considering how hard junk food is to come by. Food is  probably the thing I have missed most and definitely something I am going to enjoying on my return.

Sangilo has since become a home away from home, and although I look forward to returning to my UK home, a small piece of me will for sure remain here.  

There will definitely be a few tears when the time comes to leave for good, but till then I am here to enjoy this beautiful place and all of the wonderful people I meet along the way! 

Hugs and kisses all the way from Sangilo, Malawi

Tan xxx

Over & Out

Two things to celebrate today....

Firstly it's Departure day!!
Secondly, my blog has reached 1000 hits!!!

Thank-you to everyone for your tremendous support. It has been absolutely invaluable and I may well have gone slightly crazy without everyones encouraging words of wisdom and all the belly laughs along the way.
This is the exciting bit, so I hope you continue to follow my story whilst I'm away (or when I'm back depending on when I can get you an update).

I cannot begin to describe how I am feeling!

My bag has been packed and re-packed a million times over, my passport and travel documents are waiting for me by the door and a box of tissues sit off to the side as I say my final goodbyes.

Needless to say I am now far beyond the point of excitement, and inevitably a little sad, nervous and scared.
In just 2 hours I will be airport bound to meet my fellow volunteers, where we will receive our farewell packs and later board a plane to Lilongwe, Malawi. 

This is the adventure of a lifetime and I have 3 months to make it count....

the real journey starts here and now!

xx

P.S I don't know when I will next have access to the internet it is goodbye for now, but look out for updates on here, FB, twitter 'tanushri_d & instagram @tanushrid x

Leap of Faith

My very LAST day in London!!!

One question I have continually asked myself is, are you ready for this? Can I really prepare for such a drastic lifestyle change (and I don't mean packing wise)? Can I cope knowing there is only so much I can do? Do I really know what I've gotten myself into???

Honestly, I still cannot answer these....but I am definitely ready! The decision did not need a second thought, but all the same, was not made lightly. 

Is anyone ever ready for such a change?

I am most looking forward to my new family. Integrating myself into an entirely new community nearly half way across the world. A community that is decades behind my own in means of development and technology (probably a whole lot richer in other means, I'll come back and let you know!).  

I wish to find a piece of home in Sangilo,Malawi.....but hope it won't be too heart breaking to leave because I've heard otherwise! However small, I leave knowing I will return a changed person, having learnt more about, both myself and a whole new culture. 

It's important to step out of your comfort zone now and again. This is my biggest adventure in life so far....so here goes

My leap of faith!

xx

Smashed it!

6 days and counting . . . 

So pleased to finally be able to say I have hit my £800 target this morning!

A huge thanks to all of the amazing people who have helped me along the way, both with donations and your wonderful words of encouragement and support. 

It really does mean a huge amount.

A special thanks to my wonderful neighbours who recenlty donated and are the reason I can share this great news with you today. Much Appreciated!

It is hard to believe that in just under a week I will be boarding a plane bound for Malawi.

My bags are packed and ready, my phone has just been switched to pay as you go for the first time in 10 years and I'm starting to say my goodbyes starting with big BBQ this saturday. 

Fingers Crossed for good weather . . . 

xx

Flight Spa

Exactly 1 Week to go till I will be on my way to Malawi with the rest of the group!!!
We will be travelling for more than 14 hours, 12 of which I will be spent up in the air.

There are very few conditions that actually compromise your skin....flying is definitely one of them and since there won't be much room for pampering while where away, I've packed a few essentials into my hand luggage to be able to turn a dehydrating flight into a well needed spa session.

These are products that I like to use so feel free to substitute according to personal preference :)

I've also made sure to decant the products into bottles less then 100ml to comply with airline security restrictions.

Find the full post on my fashion blog Street & Rail 

xx