Where we are going.

We are going to Ilorin which is in the Kwara province.

Four weeks to go!

I have just put my grandsons to bed and done a bit more packing away. It feels strange to be putting winter clothes into boxes and suitcases to take to my mum's house for storage when it is so cold here. My mum is nearly 94 and has helped me in my fundraising by getting sponsors for me from the club she ran for the over 55s. She is very active and I am really proud of her.

It has been strange not being at work. My secondment began in September to fit in with the school term. I hope I will be able to share my experiences with the children at my school via the VLE and hopefully make them more globally aware. It has been quite hard explaining to them that I am going out to Nigeria to share expertise and help with training rather than to give them pencils, books, etc. I did a mini topic with them on Nigeria which they enjoyed. They were very surprised when I showed them the clip on Abuja which was in stark contrast to the mud huts they assumed everyone lived in.

As well as packing things away I have been visiting friends and playing with my grandchildren. Some people think we are mad as all they have heard about Nigeria is to do with corruption and money scams-hopefully I can show them a more positive picture!

My grandson started school last week and it was lovely picking him up and listening to his experiences. His mum is my daughter Lucy who got married.

It is very cold here and I am looking forward to a chge of climate. I have had all my jabs now. Hope my visa and tickets come soon. Still haven't got anyone to rent the house which is a worry but I have been assured we will get a tenant. Lea (my husband) is enjoying watching the football at the moment-doubt he'll be able to in a few weeks time!

Six weeks to go!

This is my first go at blogging so hope it works and someone will read it! In 6 weeks Lea (my husband) and I are going to Kwara province in Nigeria for 2 years with VSO. The training we had last week was excellent and great fun too. Suddenly everything has got very hectic-trying to rent our house, put stuff in storage, tell the banks, have endless jabs and fill countless forms as well as try to think what to pack. How can you pack 2 years stuff in 25kgs? As it will be the rainy season I think waterproofs are needed but I also need to take suncream as it is hard to get there. I have found some amazing paper shampoo and conditioner that I am taking. Other ideas are spices, vitamin tablets and much to everyone's amusement my straighteners.
I am looking forward to meeting the ESSPIN team in Ilorin where I will be working as  Primary Advisor. Trying to make the most of my last few weeks here with my family and friends but can't wait to get there too!

This is me surrounded by my daughters and granddaughters! They are amazing and my daughters are 100% behind me and hopefully will be able to visit me when I am in Nigeria.