I could quite happily post each day about my excitement and delight about this trip but I would like to have at least a couple of followers left by the time I leave so until I go I will try and restrict myself to weekly updates

To get the boring stuff out of the way - I have had the first two of my travel injections. The second one, last week was with a different nurse and boy did it hurt! But that is done, just one more to go the week before we go.

I thought I would take the chance here to say a massive thank you to everyone here who is supporting the work of Angels of Mercy -I don't want to name names, not for fear of leaving people out because that won't happen, but because I haven't asked permission to share their names. But I can honestly say that I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity that people have shown.

For example Facebook friend that I have never met have donated money. I spoke to an acquaintance in a charity shop a few weeks ago and on Sunday I received a bag of baby clothes she had collected. It seems that every week in church someone gives me something for us to take. Two ladies are sewing cot sheets (as well as giving clothes and blankets). Although my attendance at my knitting group has been erratic over the past 18 months the ladies have again shown their compassion and generosity and are providing blankets, baby clothes and nightgowns. Other friends have given money for me to buy supplies out there

Poverty in all its forms is a huge issue all over the world. Here in the UK the media is alerting us all to the issues people have in buying food and paying their bills. We have food and basic banks all over the country struggling to fill the gaps for people who are unable to survive on the money they receive in benefits or, those that media refers to as "the working poor".

So with all these needs I am amazed and grateful that people clearly do not suffer from "compassion fatigue" and find it in their hearts to donate to Angels of Mercy. Thank you xxx