Ready to go

I have managed to leave Scotland with only a few tears. I've said lots of goodbyes to friends, colleagues, favourite places and my bike. After what has seemed like months of packing and sorting and DIY, my possessions are finally divided between my enormous rucksack and suitcase, Robin's loft, my parent's loft and the highly deserving Lothian Cat Rescue charity shop which is within walking distance of my flat.

I've spent the last few days in Somerset saying goodbye to Mum, Dad and Matt and am about to get the train to London to properly leave. It still doesn't seem real though. It's hard to imagine what the work will be like and hard to imagine that I'll be in Ecuador tomorrow.

When people ask what my job is I've been telling them my role is to be a two way information link between the partner organisations which Progressio works with in Ecuador and Peru (all NGOs working on HIV and AIDS, Sustainable environment, and/or civil society participation) and the office in London which does communication and advocacy work on these themes and supports the partner organisations. I have a slightly better idea what this might mean in practice after a week's orientation in Progressio's London office but it still feels a bit vague. I suppose I'll soon find out more.

Welcome to Michelle's blog

This blog will be about my time in Ecuador and Peru working as a Development Worker for Progressio.