out of sight

After my A levels I took a "year out" before going to uni. I worked for the first few months to fund a 2 week adventure holiday in Egypt, still one of the best holidays I've ever had in my life. My 41 year old self is very proud of my 18 year old self. I didn't know anyone on the trip, it was something I wanted to do and so I did it. I'm not sure if I still have that level of bravery, tho I still make friends very quickly so maybe I would just go?
My mum was really anxious about my going - I can understand that concern much better now I'm a parent myself. It's hard not to worry when those we love are out of our sight.

Following my fabulous trip I then had a live in volunteer position and enjoyed the rest of my year immersed in that. I did a lot of various volunteering that whole year, from selling charity Christmas cards in a bank (not my favourite, funnily enough), helping out on a holiday playscheme, pastoral visiting, as well as the full time homeless hostel support I did later in the year. I have been a volunteer in some form or other as long as I remember - both getting involved in and creating many opportunities at high school, whether it was paired reading, helping to run Brownies or one time we decided we would paint a litter bin like a clown to encourage its use - we did a really professional job, maybe I can dig out a photo?
I'm not sure why I'm reminiscing about volunteering, perhaps it's to remind myself how it has always been part of my life and so why my roles of co-ordinating volunteers make perfect sense.

I shall dig out some pics if there is time later whilst waiting for my wanderers to return :)

... I was caught out by the rain - I didn't even take a coat to work. Still not a peep out of those heading homewards. Trying not to assume the worst - of course they will just not have battery left on their phones etc etc.

Amy minute now and they should be in sight :-D