Four Months Down... Eight Weeks To Go

At the four month mark now. I have had significant hold-ups with my Visa which has caused some issue with returning to my assignment in Romania. Luckily the Hospices' head office is in Otford, UK, so I have spent the last three weeks working from here. A big issue that I have experienced is a disconnect from my project in Romania. I feel like I am still achieving my objectives and ensuring that I am keeping to the project however I find it increasingly difficult to be away from my team. A key learning for me with the PULSE project is to ensure that you delay or try and arrange your Visa needs prior to assignment, even if it means that you may start later than anticipated.

What have I achieved in the last three weeks?

• Working with the team in the UK we have managed to refine some of the database processes which is great for the team when I return home. Continued working on the process document to simplify the content.
• We have a date set for Orange Day 2012 with the Brasov team to assist with the implementation of the SharePoint based intranet for the Hospice.
• I have met with future potential donors, discussed what I do, how GSK support NGO's and most importantly my work with the Hospice and their patients.
• Attended the PULSE Awareness Week, met with my co-ordinator and other members of the PULSE team and future volunteers.
• I have volunteered at a fundraising event here, to gauge the differences between Romania and UK events.
• Worked with one of our Romanian Corporate Partners on putting together a web based template to generate sales for patients wanting to sell art work to help them become self-sustaining, financially, even if they are bedridden or house-bound.

In between all these activities I have also managed to make it out of the UK visiting rural France and Belgium. Wow. What an experience! I saw opulence and wealth of these areas, but Carole also introduced me to the poverty of some of the lesser known regions. She explained to me that Europe are still evolving which can be financially crippling to some of the communities as they struggle to maintain their culture, their heritage and history while the world grows and advances around them. Who is right? How can balance be maintained? Is tourism one of the solutions? I have to say that I am full of questions about what can be done to make lives better, easier. I know this is not my assignment but I can't help but wonder what more individuals can do.

The good news is - my visa has been approved so I am now waiting on the documentation so I can head back. Looking forward to being back in Romania even though I will miss the UK. Also looking forward to Christmas and being back with my children. How I miss their hugs!

Love lots

Dani xxxx

Cross-eyed but getting it done!

Halfway through my assignment, It seems to have all gone so quickly, I want to use this blog for a few special shout outs and thank yous for the time that I have spent here - I know there will definitely be more and something more formal nearer to the end!

Still waiting on my Romanian Visa approval which has proved to be quite stressful this week but luckily I am staying with the most beautiful people, Carole and Ian, who have not only housed me but have taken me sight-seeing locally and to France for the weekend! 

I am working with an amazing team in Otford - a HUGE thank you to Peter and Alex this week who have proven to be invaluable in terms of knowledge base and support. I know that there is no way we could have completed what we have this week without such a solid team. The database locally is going great guns, we have had to complete a fair bit of clean up and resolution of some technical issues but I think the majority of this is now out of the way. I am now chomping at the bit to do some more work and training with the Romanian team but I know that I will be back there soon.

A quick thank you to Britain, I have been lucky enough to experience some blue skies over the past couple of days - I feel thoroughly spoilt.

A huge thank you to my GSK Pulse Coordinator whom I have caught up with this week and which is always a joy. I have really grown quite fond of Debbie during my time in my assignment. I think having such competent and kind support during the most trying of times is the most you could ask for. 

Still with GSK, thank you to Angela and Marius in Brasov who have supported me throughout this assignment, Angela with helpful advice and friendship and Marius with the undertaking of intranet design and creation for the Hospice, what was a mere concept is becoming a reality with you and your team's assistance. Thank you to Claire and Monica back in Australia for helping support my local workload.

To my family - thank you always to my mum and dad for the infinite patience with me and dealing with those niggly issues that always seem to come up when you are away with no possible means to resolve them. Thank you to my children whom I love so dearly and miss with my heart and soul. Thank you for giving me permission for this experience at the expense of us being separated for what seems like an eternity.

Finally - thank you to GSK and to the Hospices of Hope for this incredible experience. It is truly invaluable, life-changing and I know that I will never, ever be the same.

Dani xxx

Sea Legs

I have had the past two weeks returning home from my PULSE assignment, I have renamed this as my "sea legs" as returning home is more complicated than I could imagine. During the last few weeks I have caught up with my parents, my children, and my dearest friends. I have touched base with my GSK team which has been great and also contacted the Hospice sporadically.

So why "sea legs"?

I have really enjoyed time with my family and friends, It has been difficult to slot myself back into normal life and discussion given my focus over the last three months. I have to admit that I am feeling a little flat - there is so much to do, for my assignment, and at home at GSK, or so much I want to do. (I think jet lag has a huge amount to do with my mood and feelings too!)

My visa issues still are unresolved. I think that I gained some leverage today - all documents have been received now and are now being sent to Romania for completion. Still another few weeks away though.

There is so much I want to still do in terms of training back in Romania and UK, I know that this was started before I left and I am confident (as long as the system has been used) that the team will be able to utilise the system easily prior to my departure in December. My team is extraordinary at the Hospice and I look forward  to returning to them shortly.

Back home? I had the privledge of speaking with my new manager about my role and what I will be doing when I return in late January. And have come away with home work!! It is all extremely exciting and I am energised by what my team having been doing in my absence. I miss them so much!

Flying out again Saturday (more jet lag - groan)

Dani xx