Here goes nothing...

So here I am, sat in the departure lounge at Gatwick Airport, about two hours away from setting sail (metaphorically speaking) for Kingston, Jamaica, to start my six month adventure as a volunteer. I have to admit to a certain feeling of incredulity that I'm here at all - a fortnight ago, leaving seemed ages away, but someone seems to have conspired to have adjusted the normal rules of time perception and, as surreal as it feels, here I am.

Actually, the 'conspiracy' is mainly my fault. As per, I managed to completely ignore how much preparation moving house, quitting work and planning and packing for a six month trip might actually involve, whimsically assuming 'it'll all get done somehow'. Well, yeah it has, but it's been nothing to do with the magic packing fairies - panic, adrenalin, caffeine and a great deal of help from my ever reliable mum and dad have been largely responsible for getting me here. Thankfully, I tend to do my best work under pressure, and there have even been times where I've found myself actually enjoying the frantic activity.

I've been told there will probably be plenty of times in the coming weeks and months where I will wonder what the hell I'm doing, and it's a question I've got to admit crossed my mind a few times in the whirlwind of goodbyes (some inevitably emotional), leaving my home, my friends and everything I know behind. But after a virtually sleepless night Monday as the reality of leaving Leeds the next day started to kick in, followed by a 14-hour marathon of packing, cleaning and driving, as I sped away down the M62 half drunk with tiredness in an overpacked car with a knackered Void tape blasting far too loud on the stereo, I remembered why this was all such a good idea - I could feel the routines of a city I've called home for the past 12 years, the complacency of everything being so comfortable and familiar racing away behind me. Ahead lies adventure, trials, new experiences, new friends - all the good stuff that makes us feel alive. I've had my doubts about doing this, but right now I'm so glad I am.

I am in a rush so I apologise if I am rambling. I will hopefully be able to write something slightly more coherent and considered in the next few days as I settle into my first placement at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf. Hopefully this blog will evolve into something more presentable and readable as time goes on, but for now, here are a couple of photos of my 'travelling' hair cut for you to laugh at (my lovely locks!), and I hope you will all feel moved to follow this blog. Keep in touch!