At the beginning of this week I was all for packing my bags and going home. I was missing family and friends, missing my granddaughters birthday, my knee had swollen up, bitten by mozzies for the first time, I was feeling unhappy about accommodation and wondering why on earth I was here.

Then the fortunes changed. Chinese medicine from the hospital has cured my knee (almost), I got moved to a lovely little flat all to myself, the classes and sessions went really well and a parcel of goodies arrived from home! Oh what a difference these things make, especially the walkers crisps and the chocolate. I need to make contact with a friend or two (you know who you are) and things will keep looking up.

I have been asked to advice a wonderful little project that uses volunteer teachers to teach children in remote mountain areas and rural china. I hope to pay a visit soon and help with their support of volunteers. I will start consulting local volunteers too about the support they expect and work with Canyou to build a volunteer management system. I will be spending a day on the beach with some volunteers, it's a hard job....., and hope to learn more about their needs. Sister Tian has been a full time volunteer for fifteen years and is quite amazing.

Off to find ingredients to make an English tea for a group session this week. Is this what they mean by improvisation? Will upload pictures no matter what the outcome.