I can`t quite believe that I am 4 days from my wedding, and that wedding will be in Bogota, Colombia. That`s quite a way from home town of Salford (Manchester) in the UK. I can`t quite believe my `current home` of 3 years has been in New Zealand, or that I`ve been blessed with life experiences across the globe, especially those in Romania and Vietnam that shaped me as much as any other. Generally speaking I`m sitting in the office of my brother-in-law to be, 3 hours from the arrival of my family to Colombia, and feeling pretty content with life.
That`s a lot of twists and turns in my life, some expected, some definitely unexpected and some were just downright bizarre! As I think back through the major events in my life I can see that many of the events and paths I have walked have been far more important in shaping my life than I ever realized at the time. Working in hospitals with seriously ill people, working at the Palace & Opera House Theatres, studying Occupational Therapy at Salford University, going to volunteer in Romania & Vietnam, past relationships - especially those big ones, the crazy random nights out with great mates or total strangers when traveling: are all experiences that have moved me.
One thing that has been constant in my life have been my great friends, both at home and across the globe - (you know who you are), and the support of my family to go and explore the world and the people in it. I talk about events and places shaping me, but that`s not a fair description of my world view. It has always been about the people, the good, the bad, and the sometimes the ugly`. (Its a quote so I`m not being mean when I write that).
Therefore as I write this short post I just want to take a moment to recognize the role that everyone who I`ve ever spent some time with, for helping me get to this point... a big thank you!
In real life (currently living in the sweat box of Cerrejon), I have continued my running and swimming routines, much to the amazement of myself, and am enjoying the benefits of daily exercise and a good diet. Though running so much here comes at a cost.... I will add a picture below soon....
Even changing my running routine to the evening, I still can be covered in sweat after a run, even a slow and little run. Still, I am looking forward to running around the beautiful bays of Wellington again later in the year, instead of the dusty ground and dry land of this desert land.
I have enjoyed a return to the school on three occasions in the past 2-3 weeks, where by I was able to `help out` in two English classes, (one being about the school system in England). The visit was a presentation to a great class of kids who had previously questioned me about the weather in different parts of the world. I was able to entertain them for most of the hour with funny pictures of different weather and the primary topic of natural resources around the world.
So as I am about to step into the latest, (and possibly biggest) adventure of my life, I am left hoping for as much fun, laughter and stimulation that my previous 35 years have included. More importantly I am hoping it will be filled with just as many amazing and interesting people that guide the next 35 years...
Regards from Colombia...
