And so it begins...

Lots of tears today...Despite me trying to keep strong, the tears flowed easily as John began his lovely speech. Sitting at the staffroom table, I tried to stop myself but as I looked around, and saw the faces of everyone I was going to miss so much, the enormity of what I was doing suddenly got to me...

I've been at my school for four years. Beginning as an enthusiastic and eager NQT (!), I've enjoyed teaching there despite the usual stresses that come with being a teacher in a London school and it certainly wasn't without its challenges.However, as time has gone on I can no longer ignore the urge to try something else, altogether less predictable and more worthwhile. The time has come to trade in the job security and regular income for a more exhilarating existence.

Most of you reading this will know that I've been accepted as a volunteer with VSO for a placement in January. I'll be most likely going out as a teacher trainer, working alongside teachers in their home countries, sharing with them current methodolgy...I have a feeling I'll be gaining far more from the exchange. At the moment, I've been looking into Rwanda, Malawi and Eritrea as possible destinations but am keeping an open mind until the placement comes through. Would love to improve the French a bit though so fingers crossed for Rwanda!

I've just come back this weekend from the first training course (of a few it seems) and am fired up with enthusiasm for the journey ahead. As part of this new chapter, I have decided to keep a blog...Not sure why, I suppose everyone else is doing it now so thought I'd join in. I will do my best to record only the interesting bits but until I actually go you may have to put up with more mundane anecdotes especially as I begin the trauma of letting the flat out...

Leaving colleagues, friends and family is probably the hardest thing about it but knowing how excited they all are for me makes the whole journey no longer an exercise of choice but of necessity- I can no longer bore them with my 'plans' but must set about 'making it happen'!