3 weeks to go....

I'm just getting to the point now where my goal is in sight and everything is coming together. I've completed all my immunisation schedule, bought up Boots and health shops with all the possible substances i might need, and done so much talking that im not sure my voice will make it onto the plane with me!!!

The last few weeks have most definitely been at a much slower pace than the last few months, and i'v a big thankyou to my mum and dad for that - mum has taken on the role of Sarah 'coach', organising all those little everyday necessecities that im sure ive been neglecting recently! Ive had time to visit places in Yorkshire and at home, snapping up pictures on my camera, framing memories and scenes to share with my future friends and colleagues in Sri Lanka. I visited the Turkish Baths in Harrogate for the first time in my life, which was an ultimately wonderful stimulating and relaxing experience all in one ... for anyone who hasn't been to something like this, the baths in Harrogate have been there for hundreds of years although the therapy treatments have very much changed over the years! It is a bit like a spa where you can experience heat rooms, ucalyptus steam room, and a cold plunge pool ... you just spend about 15minutes in each area before moving to another area. It is so envigorating that you come away feeling totally 'floaty light' and your skin feels really fresh. Think i might have to go back a few more times before i leave the UK to keep me all relaxed and de-stressed!

Im also enjoying taking time to visit family and friends before i leave to keep everyone up to date with my progress. I am still overwhelmed by the amount of people who are wishing me well, and giving such valuable tips or advice about being overseas and about Sri Lanka. I seem to meet people everywhere who either has some information to give themselves, or who know someone who can! Its been such an amazing experience, and I feel like I have the world of opportunities and possibilities within my reach. Thank heavens for the internet and IT (never thought id really say that!) because it has made all my workshops, new connections and communications possible in a way that will bring so much to my projects both in the UK and in Sri Lanka. Message boards and forums both on VSO sites and OT websites have given me access to advice and connections that I never realised would be so important. I now have links with so many people who I can call on to guide me or that I can get specific information from to help me in my work overseas.

I can now see how networking is so key to any kind of development, wherever the setting, and it is only through the maintenance of these kinds of communications that real sharing of ideas, skills and knowledge can be used to explore problems and solutions, and achieve goals.

Te le lau le lau xx