The highlight of today was getting 12 new volunteers arrive and onboard the mission and seeing their enthusiasm and commitment. I actually ‘had a moment’ though not sure if any of them noticed. Added to my role is induction into the mission, so it starts with the usual admin points and then I go into what and how; when I got to the bit describing our ‘target’ beneficiary, the individual on the ward for 12 hours, getting home and ‘back in for another 12; so 10 hours maybe to shop, cook, eat, sleep, wash and start again, it moved me. And its actually not just covid-19 that is affecting me, I am realising how hard people work, and how lucky I am to have had what I have had, and what I have lost.
I have pretty much lost track of day and time. Not that I am so tired that I have lost my grip, just that I am so immersed in it, such is the reward I am getting. The more I put in the better I feel (as often in life). So I am a little behind the curve. At 2000 the noise is amazing, and in fact it wasn’t clapping and pot banging as I expected. At first I thought it sounded like a football match, but it cant be we have a lockdown. I couldn’t quite hear the voices but it was definitely cheers and shouts; awesome! I feel cynical though (pessimistic maybe), what will happen afterwards? There will not be the continued public outpourings of gratitude, but lets hope there is continued respect?