Hi everyone, 

Here goes for my first post on this blog. Well, as you have probably already guessed, I haven't actually left yet. But as preparations have started, I figured that I might as well start the blog straight away! 

Yes, indeed, preparations have started (how organised of me! ;-) ), fund raising has just about finished, vaccinations are (hopefully) being sorted out, and excitement is definitely rising as the departure date draws ever closer. The problem will probably be keeping that excitement under control until I actually leave, if not, I fear that the people around me will go mad (or even more mad!).

But then, it isn't every day that a dream actually comes true: for those of you who don't already know, going to Brazil to work with children over there has been something that has been on my heart to do for quite a few years now. (here is the precise link to what I will be doing: http://www.latinlink.org.uk/National-Sites/UK/What-can-I-do/Team-Mission-Step/Volunteer/Summer/Four-Week-Summer-Camp-Outreach-team ). However I did not expect to be able to go so soon; in fact, in September, when the first (of many) people asked me when I was going to go, I answered that it definitely would not be this summer: God just seems to have had other plans! 

Anyway, before I finish this post, I would like to thank all the people who have sponsored me (I'm still not quite sure of the final amount that I managed to raise, but I know that people have been extremely generous!).

Please do keep me in your prayers as I try and sort out my last few vaccinations and start trying to find all the things that I need to take with me.

See you soon for the next update!