Everything looks like it's all coming together

I'm in very real danger of becoming a proper adult!

I applied for a job back in the Midlands on Wednesday, they asked me to go for an interview on Thursday, I was interviewed on Friday afternoon, and got a job offer on the train home. I've applied for quite a few jobs more because I felt I should, rather than because I wanted to work at that particular hospital. I went to this interview though, and knew straight away it was the place for me. 

There's also talk of me having spinal surgery to try to get a bit more feeling back. It would involve fitting a sort of pacemaker below the level of the lesion to see if the affected nerves can be tricked into working again. It's a pretty big op, so my neurologist wants to give me until April 2016 (18 months post transverse myelitis onset) to see if I make any further spontaneous improvement, and we can see what the most appropriate choice is at that point. 

I'm very happy, and life is great at the moment. I've got 16 shifts left as a student, dissertation results are coming out this week, I'll soon know my degree class, and in 35 days I'm setting off for Africa. It finally looks like it's all coming together!

Love Emily x

Time flies when you're having fun!

I can't believe how close to the end of midwifery training I am! Last week I did my final bit of academic work, and now I'm waiting for results and working flat out as a HCA to fund my elective.

Unfortunately, after the earthquakes in Nepal, I've had to change the destination. Initially I was still set on going - perhaps even more so, given the increased use I would have been. The university got quite anxious about my decision to still go, and eventually flat out forbade me to go on their time. I looked into going on alternative dates so I wouldn't be bound by their decisions, but no insurance company would touch me. I like a challenge, but this was a push - even for me. So, after a couple of strops, I've made plans to go to Ghana instead.

Whilst in Ghana I'd also like to do some teaching at an orphanage in Takoradi. I've built up a stash of pens, pencils, felt tips, colouring books and educational posters to take, but if any of you lovely people wanted to donate something small and light for me to give to some local children it would be very much appreciated.

After I've finished working at the hospital I'm going to explore Africa a bit more... much to Megan's panic. From Accra I'm going to Johannesburg (via Kenya) for a few days to explore the Sterkfontein caves. From there, I'm going to Zambia to be amazed by Victoria Falls (+/-a cheeky microlight flight...) and pick up a safari travelling through Zimbabwe and Botswana - finally ending up back in Johannesburg, and then fly back to the UK.

Not bad, considering 8 months ago I couldn't walk.

Love Emily x