But to answer your question – in general – I don’t usually watch people’s podcasts. I like to read and often skip the video unless it is very short. I am 61 and a quiet person. I can read faster than I can listen. So, bravo. You did it! But if you want to just go back to writing, that is fine. Either way. I like reading your writing, but I will probably also watch you if you like, unless I am short of time.

For my own part I spent a year with Voluntary Services Overseas teaching in rural Zimbabwe. Rural doesn’t really describe it properly. I was 7km from a tarred road and the only muzungu (white person) within a 30km radius, and a woman at that. We had electricity and a tap outside but just a hole in the ground toilet. One of my greatest life skills is being able to wash my entire body and hair with one bucket of water thanks to that year:)

I was brave and adventurous to do it but also incredibly naive. I’d love to do it again and feel I have a lot more to offer now and a lot more experience to handle it. Maybe when I’m retired.

In the meantime I am just doing little things and hoping it’s better than nothing. I always used to give blood but the Kiwis and Aussies don’t want my Pommie blood, even though I was a vegetarian during the years when they worry that I may have been infected with mad cow disease!

If any of you can give blood please do. It’s a simple process that should only take one hour. Blood donations have saved my life and the lives of countless other people. If you can do it you should.

Just thinking outside the dots, volunteering is also a chance to be brave, creative and adventurous.

For example…

Years ago I used to visit a young prison inmate in a maximum security jail (for social visits). This was part of a voluntary program run by the jail.

He was from overseas (had committed a relatively minor crime whilst on holidays in Australia), but was locked up for three years with men who had committed far more serious crimes. It was a terrifying environment. He had no local family and so never got any visitors.

The inmate really appreciated the visits, and I felt good doing it. But it was also like a wild adventure – dangerous, confronting and at times shocking.

It was an incredible experience and an important reference point in my personal development.

One hour every six weeks for formative, life changing value!

Connie – Right back at ya:)

Gordie – Thanks for the wonderful idea to welcome new immigrants into our communties and help smooth their path. So many people have helped me learn their language in Laos, France and all over Central America. It’s an honor to be able to repay the favour and you can learn so much about other cultures and how language makes up our personalities and culture.

And in our family, a number of those school issued ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ also have proudly been pinned to our kitchen walls over the years. Stay in touch with your kids school system, the benefits to the school and your kids are great

..