Dear friends and family...let me invite you to the beautiful island of Mauritius for just 5 minutes once more to hear a bit of my latest news...
So...what's new? Life goes on here and in some ways I can hardly believe that I'm already approaching the half way mark of my time here. Though in other ways it feels like I've been here for absolutely ages. I'm realising more and more that one of the biggest things that this trip is about is relationships, and I have made absolutely amazing friends here already - which is really important when you, my friends and family are so far away! I really feel at home in Mauritius now, and I'm sure that having great people around me is why!
In terms of work, things are going really well. I'm trying hard to establish a bit more of a structured timetable, so I thought perhaps you would be interested to see a bit how my week shapes up...
Sunday: 8.15 picked up to go to church at the cathedral in Port Louis, where I play violin for the service. Afterwards I usually end up getting invited to somebody's house for lunch, and the majority of the rest of the day.
Monday: At the moment is a bit of a free day, as I've been so busy the rest of the week, but I'm trying to get into the routine of spending the day at the Anglican Hospital where I've been told I am welcome to come and do some nursing (of the male patients), work in the lab taking blood - which will be great to keep my skills up. I've already observed some medical consultations there, and spent a day observing in the operating theatre, so perhaps some more of the same too. Then every other week in the evening 6-8.30 it's the rehearsal of the Diocesan youth music group in the church here in Beau Bassin.
Tuesday: Nothing specific happens during the first part of the day but I usually end up spending the day working on the music for the nativity - which is a never ending task. I'm working on this with one of my best mates here (Jonathan) and Tuesday is his day off college, so it's a good oportunity to get some work done. 3.30 it's violin lessons for the little ones at the cathedral - things are working really well and the kids are really starting to improve, which is really satisfying to see! Afterwards straight on the bus to the nativity rehearsal which is 6-9pm, then back home for a late dinner!
Wednesday - the day spent at the diabetic charity, usually office work and planning (at the moment for a diabetic camp in august) in the morning, then home visits in the afternoon. Then back to the church in Beau bassin for praise and worship service for which I play at 5.30.
Thursday - day at the rehabilitation centre, which is continuing to go really well, then the evening is another 3 hour nativity rehearsal.
Friday - not too much specific during the day, and then music lessons at 3pm till around 5.30 for some of the older ones. Then the evening is the youth cell at beau bassin.
Saturday - morning from 10.30 till 1pm music lessons again at the cathedral, then the afternoon is the youth club at the cathedral, and then I usually catch the end of the choir/music rehearsal in the cathedral for the service the next day, and then back on the bus to Beau bassin for rehearsal for the worship team for the praise and worship on the wednesday!
So as you can see, a pretty charged time table, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it all!
Things coming up...there is going to be a confirmation on the tiny island of Rodrigues next month, and the bishop is going to take me with him - think that will be 4 days. I'm also trying to organise a camping weekend for my group of mates, mostly of the diocesan youth council, just to relax a bit too - without doubt, everyone deserves it!
Hope that keeps you in the picture a bit as to my life here! Would be great to hear from you all - am always keen to receive an email with a bit of your news!
With lots of love and prayers, Dan
Anyway, i'd just thought i'd check in with you! All my love, your lil sis, Mim xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx