The best family in the world

To my wonderful family,
Thanks for supporting me every time I zip off on a new adventure. You have always supported me through a whole range of exciting, challenging and risky adventures.

You stand by me even when my decisions make absolutely no sense to anyone - for this I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I have made mistakes but I don't give up and keep seeking new journeys that will make me a better person.





As my Japan journey is about to commence I take you all with me in my heart and will miss you all dearly.



Thanks for being the best family in the world.

5 sleeps to go

I'd also like to say I had a fantastic time at the Children's Hospital Westmead being a member of the Child Life Therapist team. The professionalism of my team members made me proud to be a member of such a profession, if only for a short time. Their dedication to the job was above and beyond what you might expect. On a daily basis this team supports children through a wide variety of illnesses and hospital procedures.

So with the end of my contract on the horizon I decided I needed to get a full time job. Teaching in the classroom really is in my bones so I contacted my international teaching agency and requested that they activate my file. My previous International school positions had been in the northern hemisphere therefore I was thinking because January is the middle of the northern hemisphere academic year there wouldn't be any positions available until August 2010. Getting a full time teaching position in Sydney wasn't really an option available to me due to the lengthy accreditation process.

Fortunately for me there were a number of positions available internationally and I actually had a choice. It was an exciting and interesting time to be reviewing schools data on the internet and seeking a school that suited my needs. As time progressed it became obvious that there was one particular school that I was really interested in. For me it was ticking all the boxes.

It was with great excitement that I signed a contract with Yokohama International School, Japan.

6 sleeps to go

The history behind my decision to leave Australia is important.

From Jan 09 to Jan 2010 I have enjoyed a wonderful position as a Child Life Therapist at the Children's Hospital Westmead in Sydney. It has been the most amazing journey of my life working with the Palliative Care Team supporting children and their families at the end stage of their life.

Unexpectedly, at least to me, the position was not renewed at the end of my contract due to lack of funding. I was really upset because the children and families just love having this community position. Even though this position was only 2 days per week there is ample work for a full time position.

I gained so much strength and compassion during this year from the children and families that I visited. To all those families I thank you for sharing your lives with me. I have the fondest memories that will stay with me forever.

Thank you

XXXX

7 sleeps to go

Hello to everyone

I've created this blog to record and reflect on my experiences in Japan.

This is not the beginning but it is where I am going to start. Firstly,thanks Alex for the most amazing xmas celebrations at the Shangri-La in Sydney. Now that certainly is a lifestyle that a girl could get used to.