So much to do

We don't have a placement yet. Apparently many groups are going to various countries in September, but due to our timing and a long-booked holiday we won't be going then.

We are working on getting all our medical checks, dental checks, photos for visa applications, various forms completed as well as sorting out home things. Next we'll start on our jags (shots), and a VSO course for both of us the end of June. I am set for my citizenship application June 6th and then my US passport can go off for renewal.

Passed my citizenship test

I took my 'Life in the UK' test which has been required by the UK for a couple of years now. I can now apply for UK citizenship at a very hefty fee. This is not required to go abroad with VSO as a partner, although it would be required as a volunteer.

First course booked

We have booked our first course in Birmingham for early July--Preparing for Change. A quick calculation tells us that there is no way we will complete all the courses by the time we leave for our holiday in August. So a leaving date in September looks unlikely. All those jags (shots) take quite a while as well. Daunting list of jags! My arm hurts already - ouch! The medical preparation is quite thorough.......GP for a thorough exam and a completed health form, the same with our dentist as well as a mammogram for me and a smear (pap test).

Our packet finally arrived today, minus a set of forms for me. Surprisingly there are quite a few countries which do not require a visa ahead of time. A visa is given upon arrival.

My UK citizenship test is Tuesday and I will make an appointment to submit my application as soon as I return with my passing score. As soon as that is submitted I need to post my US passport renewal to London.

Remember to breathe!

Finally.....contact

We have been communicating with VSO via email and it looks like they are aiming to send us in September. No definite offer of a job has been made yet but will happen soon. Then it will be up to Danny to accept or reject. Lots to do.

Apparently I don't need UK citizenship to go along as a partner, but I am applying anyway. If I don't do it now the greedy Home Office will increase the price to something so outrageous I won't want to shell out for it when we return.

Confusion on which of the courses I need to attend in Birmingham. Hopefully sorted soon.

Stress! Remember to breathe!