Back in France Land !!!

So maybe it’s true … I like to keep you on your toes ;-) I was in France, then England, then Poland, then back to England, and then BACK to France! Although let me assure you, for at least the following year I’m now nicely installed into life in France, and more specifically Lille!  It’s difficult that for the past year I’ve not been anywhere for longer than 6 months … I now admittedly would like some stability.

So a quick break down of how I ended up back in Lille… The short version is I came to visit friends for 5 days and during that time came to visit everyone at La Mission Locale where I did my European Voluntary Service, at which point Yves (the boss hehe) asked if I would be interested in coming back… Naturally I said yes, returned to England and waited upon news.  In the next week I had already had an interview lined up, got the job and the next day on the evening, was given the ultimatum … come to Lille the 24^th April for the interview… And just to make it clear how quickly this all happened… I visited Lille in April! I received news from Yves the 20^th April (!) and arrived the 24^th… Rather spur of the moment with all my luggage naturally, but a risk very worth taking all the same.

With all my bags ... how my back hurt ...

 So what am I doing here you may be asking? I am actually doing another voluntary project with the same organisation with a programme called the "Service Civique" (Civil Service).  Part of my project will involve helping to find projects abroad for young people who would like to volunteer with the European Voluntary Service.  For all those that are departing I will be helping with pre-departure training, including English conversation workshops.  I will also take part in promoting the European Sector of La Mission Locale de Lille where I am based, through the use of Facebook and other means, to ensure that young adults in the area understand the mobility opportunities that are available for them.

I have to say, although I was ready to leave England, leaving is never an easy thing to do.  Normally you need time to sort out your affairs, ensure you are all ready in terms of packing, seeing people etc and need to make sure you are in a completely settled state of mind… None of which I had / was hahaha.  I had 3 or 4 days for everything … Moving out of an apartment, booking tickets, seeing as many people as I could, organising where I would stay in Lille, going to the bank, packing and much more.  It was a rush but, as they say, sometimes in life you just have to “grab the bull by its horns”, because it’s your future!

With friends and mum before leaving

I managed a lovely leaving meal with family and a few close friends before leaving.  I had my parents and brother to see me off at the station.  It’s emotional and can be difficult not to see your family, that much is true, but needs must.  I am excited about the journey I’m now beginning in Lille and am so glad I made the decision to come back again!

Awwwww me and mum at the train station

Bye, bye England !!!

But didn't leave without a HUGE ice cream ;-)