Today I received an incredible present that turned a gruelling day into a happy one. The special gift was a package of Christmas cards and letters from my friends and colleagues at Veterans Affairs Canada, Policy Division. They proved that although I am gone, I am not so easily forgotten.

To Mike, Ken, Barb, Jo, Rhonda, Mary thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness!!!! I can not begin to express how much it meant to me.

While I am loving being here in Botswana, I have had an incredibly difficult month at work which you would never know from my blog postings. Your thoughtfulness and kindness could not have been better timed.

Your cards and notes made me smile and laugh – yes, Jo I am up to no good as usual.

Being an international volunteer is exciting and fun but at times it is daunting, exhausting and overwhelming. Knowing that people actually care about you and how you are feeling/coping is really important. It gives you the strength to pick yourself up again and get on with the job no matter how daunting the task.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me that I still have a place in your thoughts!