I'm having a little bit of an emotional moment right now. I have just spent an incredible weekend back in Leicestershire, with a whole bunch of guiders who I have known and loved for a long time, and some that I've only known for a really short time, but love just the same. I spent it on the campsite that I grew up on, Topstones, where my first ever camp was, where my favourite camps have been. The site where I've had the most campfires, and probably sung the most songs. The site that was the location for my selection weekend for my very first India trip. So in short, the 14 acres of land that have changed my life the most.
And then I left it. Without even a second thought. Because I always go back. And now I'm lying in bed, wondering when I'm going back, and I couldn't tell you. Normally it would be "next summer- county camp" or "September - SS weekend" or "Friday - campfire" but I have NO idea when I will be going back again. If I will be going back again.
So now, I've left behind Sangam, I've left behind Topstones. I'm sure I will be back to both of them at some point, but I don't know when. The friends I've made in both places will be coming with me, because, although it'll be harder to keep in touch, they're friends for life - Guiding does that to you. But now, it's time for the new chapter in my life...
I've moved to Surrey, and I've dived straight in, there's no doubt about that. Head first into a 12 ft pool. I'm starting up a new Senior Section unit in Woking, and I'm hoping to help out in a fairly major way with the big international camp that's happening here next year - more to come on that in the future when I've found out a bit more!
And I'm still plodding on with my Queen's Guide - which I really need to finish soon! That will take me back to Leicestershire, because I will be filing all my paperwork through that county, and ultimately be presented my award by them. That county gave so much to me when I was younger - and so much support through my award, especially Ruth, the Queen's Guide Advisor - it's good to give something back, even if it is just a number to add to the tally.
I'm so excited about the new challenges appearing in my life, and it's Leicestershire, and Sangam, that gave me the confidence to go out and take those challenges on, so it's really sad when I have to say goodbye with no set plans of going back, but it'll happen. I grew up there, and I'll always go back to my roots.
