The big day has finally arrived, after a busy morning finalising the last few details we were hindered when Paul received an e mailed document two hours before we needed to be at the train station from the VSO Office of which we were required to complete before departure.

The departure from Redcar East train station was a very tearful affair on my part as I said goodbye to my family, I got plenty of funny looks from other waiting passengers. Arrived at Gatwick with all three suitcases (the fourth had been left with Jenny in Devon), four lots of hand luggage to full capacity, not forgetting the children in tow, weighted down we decided to store two of the suitcases in the left luggage store at Gatwick at the costly price of £16. Finally arrived at The Europa Hotel and could relax with an early night before we had to start the whole performance all over again at 6.30pm.

Fame At Last

Finally after checking the Evening Gazette every night there is a small article about us going to The Gambia, I have attached the link for you all to read.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/08/12/teesside-dad-to-teach-in-the-gambia-84229-24374282/

One Week and Counting

This week has been quite hectic deciding what to pack has been quite critical especially when our baggage allowance is only 20kg we have come to the decision that all our toiletries and medicines will be bought in Boots after we have gone through departures so we can get more hand luggage weight. We have also had the tedious job of setting up new bank accounts, transferring our utilities over etc hopefully nothing has been forgotten knowing Paul it is unlikely that he has missed anything. As for Bradley he keeps adding to our luggage asking if he can take this toy and that game some I’m sure we will have to hide. We now just need to get on with the physical packing of the cases this is a job for Paul as he likes/hates doing this as long as I don’t interfere it should/may run smoothly without any arguments, watch this space.

Gosh one week today and we will be setting off on our Gambian Adventure, the six months since our last placement fell through have gone so quick so two years will fly past although I’m sure we will have some good story’s to tell and photo’s to share with you all. Abi and Bradley are getting excited and are counting down the days, which is pleasing to know that they are not fazed by it all. Paul has also pinned up in the dinning room some of the two main languages we will need to learn, Mandinka, I be naading and Wolof, na nga def both meaning Hello, for such a little word not easy, luckily Paul hasn’t tested us on any of these words, however there is still time.

Devon

We have had a lovely time in Devon with Paul’s family although the weather wasn’t what we are used to; lots of rain, then sun, then rain, then sun, although we did manage to have a dip in the sea which was surprisingly warm and Bradley thought it was great fun body surfing in the nude, it’s good to see him gaining confidence around water.

The Spencers and Sills kids enjoyed their day out at the Big Sheep thanks to Jenny and her VIP tickets, we had fun jumping on the Trampoline Cushions, me and Paul included not easy when certain thugs bounce you i.e. Paul, also when we could get on the Go Carts the kids enjoyed them, these were not controlled by any staff so some children just wouldn’t get off them to let others have a turn this caused quite an argument with one of the mothers. I think we may have been barred from returning, enough said.

Finally said a fond farewell for the next two years to Paul’s sister Mandy, Geoff and family who are off on their holidays this Friday. Will next meet up with Paul’s Mum Jenny and Mike at the airport as Jenny is accompanying us for two weeks in The Gambia as a baby sitter while we are having our in country training.