The story so far...

So way back in January last year I decided to look into the possibility of doing VSO. I got the application pack, spoke to my headteacher but didn't get round to filling in the form until April!!

Then I was invited to a selection day in London at the start of the summer holidays, I was accepted and began the process of actually getting to a country!!

After more trips to London, lots of filling out forms I was given a provisional placement for Nigeria. (We are at the start of September now.)

To be honest, I wasn't that keen but after researching it and emailing current volunteers I decided to go for it!

VSO require you to go on several courses to get you ready for your placement. So far I've been on 2. Both in September. The first was called 'Preparing for Change' which basically aimed to scare you!! Well at least it made people think seriously about the placement. The second one was about Global Development which was really interesting and I can totally see how people become activists etc (not me yet!!!) I've met some really interesting and cool people on the courses and it has been great to hear their stories! Plus I might get a few more stamps in the passport if I visit them....

I've still got a few more courses to do but not until January and I have to do them the wrong way round. VSO did promise me that I could fit them in during school holidays - ENGLISH school holidays!! It just means that I'll need to leave my work in December - so no forward planning for the new term then!!

At the moment I'm sorting (well trying to) stuff out. My work will keep my job open for year which is a bonus and at the same school too. Hate to say it but West Lothian Council have been great....So far!!

Oh and one more thing - my placement is still provisional as I'm waiting to hear back from Nigeria, so it could all be change!!!