Last things

This week is my last week in Wales before leaving on Sunday. Everything has been feeling 'soon' and nostalgic. 

I've been trying to do and see a lot, so on the weekend I went and visited some dear friends in Swansea.

Before I left I spent time with Aunty Julie, who has supported me immeasurably for years now - thank you for everything Aunty Julie. Then I drove to Swansea and saw a couple of lovely university friends for the afternoon. After that I went to SERC, the church I went to while studying, and attended the youth group. It was so nice to be back and get the chance to catch up with some very good people who have supported me a lot over the years.

The next day Angharad and I went to Three Cliffs Bay. The weather was beautiful and we had a good time in each other's company, and it felt like a good opportunity to be in Welsh nature before I leave! (especially because it feels like its rained all January)

Thanks to the Pfeiffers for having me (again). I love you all very much.

I mentioned seeing Grandad with Asher already - we mostly sat with him and listened to his life stories. He is 91 now and has been diagnosed with dementia so I felt it was very important to visit him before I go away for so long. He has a lot to tell about the war and his life - mostly he remembers the past very clearly, though he did tell us about WW2 bombing that had happened in 1990!! It was nice to spend some time with Ash as well - he went back to university last Tuesday.

Having time at Uncle Pete and Aunty Sharon's on Sunday was a good opportunity to be with the young people of my church, and then this week is filled with people and errands.

On Monday I went for lunch with Edith, a good friend from church, and then to the bank. She has prayed for me and looked after me for years and I am very grateful to her.

In the evening, mum and I went to Wahaca for dinner and then we went to see Little women, which we both cried through (what a brilliant movie). My mum is amazing and has been dealing with a lot lately - she basically did a lot of my fundraising, and went volunteering abroad herself when she was younger so she has been very supportive. (This is just our dessert 😁)

Yesterday I went to the meeting at church for the last time. Looking at Hosea again was very helpful, and I then had an opportunity to chat with some of my church family about VSO -  a lot of them have supported me in some way or another and I will miss the Tuesday meeting.

Then I broke my phone (!!!smh) so I had to deal with that - it all got sorted quite easily, but I could have timed it better! 

After that I met up with a kind friend for a while, which was very nice as it's been a while since we had a good chat. And it gave me the opportunity to speak a lot of Welsh! Not going to be much of that in Cambodia!!

Last night I spent a long time sorting through my case and counting everything before the Great Permethrin Session.

Today I am seeing another wonderful friend, and then I am going to spray all my clothes with Permethrin, which is a very strong insect repellant. I'm not sure how much help it will be - Katie says you get bitten no matter what - but obviously I'm not going to take the risk.

Later on this week I have other friends to see, including my Dad(!), and more practical things to tick off, like Visa photos and dollars to get. On Friday or Saturday I'll do the long and boring post about what exactly I'm packing, and then it'll be time to leave!!

Everything is a last thing at the moment. The last Monday. The last Tuesday. Etc.

The last time I'll see this or that person. Mum is going to make my favourite food for Sunday before she drives me to Heathrow, so that'll be some last things. These frosty morning dog walks have been tinged with it. Every time Boycie jumps on me its nearer to the last time. 

Which all sounds like a bit of a downer! So here's a cute picture of him and mum.

Lea hi for now. This post hasn't been that interesting, I know - I'm trying to be consistent with my posts.