Little reflections, from Lindsay

19 days left in Syria until we fly home - time is moving slowly and yet the weeks are being swallowed up. It probably is not a time to over-analyse thoughts and feelings, for it is a mix including impatience, boredom, and plenty of moments trying to capture and absorb the sights, sounds and smells. For I will never forget Syria, and I am sure there will be times I wish to be back - to reconnect with friends and to remember the place. Last year, the tug to leave was stronger; this year, Syria has given a lot back to us.  It has been an interesting week... let me tell you and you can see what you think! I've been seeing Penny (Think Forward Career Counselling) over recent months, and have felt an injection of energy and spark towards work, bringing me hope that I may find better-fitting roles that will bring a greater sense of satisfaction. She has supported me to understand what roles I may like, and to identify which organisations I feel drawn to in Nottingham. Along the way, I hav...

Mid-June, and it is hot in Aleppo with warm nights giving way to boiling days. There is mixed advice on whether your windows should be open (to channel a breeze) or closed (to keep the hot air out), and it is a battle we are generally not winning. This week and last has brushed past 40 degrees C and our lunchtime stroll has been cut down to limit the chance of dehydration and sunstroke. But our time is drawing to a slow close, and I'm trying to embrace each moment and opportunity in Syria to enjoy the culture and experience. In a month, we will be heading home finishing our 1 year contract in Aleppo, and 2 years with Medair. The countdown is on (unfortunately), and while I wish it was not so, I am really ready to go home. I dream of our house and garden, Beeston, church and friends, seeing family and resuming 'normal life'. The very situation I was keen to leave 2 years ago is now exactly what I want to reconnect with. I'm obsessed with home and garden shows on BBC and ...