All bets are off........

Following yesterday's visit from the uk global program manager, gaps were identified in our program in Kamachumu which have highlighted the fact that our volunteers haven't been fully aware of the program objectives and are subsequently unable to make a definitive link between the work they have been doing and how it fits into the program objectives. Me and Aive have therefore had to call a halt on all activities and are 'going back to the drawing board' and tomorrow will be running a training session on our team planning tool and program objectives. We also need to run a session on monitoring and evaluation, all of this is of course in addition to our day to day duties of supporting the volunteers. To add to the pressure of all this Aive has had to travel to Bukoba today to collect the next two weeks budget and allowances so I've been left holding the fort and doing all the session planning alone. All this said I'm confident that we'll get things back on track and the program is going to be a success, we just need to stay focused on what we're here to do and most importantly stay positive..... And that's starts with me and Aive I suppose!

I'm lucky in the fact that I have a good host family, lots of support from my family in the uk and me and Aive have a very good understanding of one another which has been crucial to us getting through the last few days.

Unfortunately one of our TZ vols has has to leave the program due to some issues in her host home. This has hit quite hard and I'm really upset to have lost someone so early in the program. She has however been given the option to reapply to ICS in the future and I really hope she takes the opportunity.

On a lighter note I'm still managing to take each day as it comes and not think too much to the future. This has helped me not to get toooo home sick although it is now starting to set in that I won't be with friends and family for Christmas : (

It's nice that I have Facebook and can see everyone's updates about the stress of Christmas shopping and everything else that comes at this time of year!

 It's 7.30pm now and I'm just waiting for Aive to arrive so we can finalise our plans for tomorrow and she's going to stay over. Will be nice to have some company and in looking forward to food tonight as I've eaten nothing substantial today due to being so busy.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my leave request will be accepted as then I'll have the chance to stay on in Dar es Salaam after the conference I'm going to be attending next week. I'm also excited to meet all the other long term VSO staff who are in TZ and get some ideas and advice of places in the country to visit!