Farewell, Oxfam, dear friend…

Today was my last day volunteering at my lovely Oxfam shop. I didn't really do much work... but it was nice just to spend time with my friends and have a nice, drawn-out 'goodbye'.

This volunteering job has been such a great thing for me. When I started in September, it was just something that got me out of the house a couple times a week. It quickly became something I looked forward to every week. I have loved sorting through piles and piles of second-hand clothes, finding ridiculous costumes and some really great stuff for myself. I have acquired some awesome clothes, a few pairs of shoes and a glow-in-the-dark nativity set! But more than that, I have loved chatting to my friends (I think my code-names for them are Moira and City) and sitting down for a cuppa with the boss. I've been able to chat to them about all my exciting adventures and my many challenges, too.

I will miss my dear Oxfam *sigh*

Before I left, my friends at Oxfam gave me some lovely gifts! They gave me a mug detailing Moseley village, my home for the past year. They gave me a lovely window-hanging with dried flowers. City painted me a gorgeous little painting! But the gift that made me the most emotional was a certificate from the director of Oxfam. It says: 'This certificate was awarded to Sarah Patterson for supporting Oxfam's work by being a fantastic volunteer and raising thousands of pounds through her hard work. On behalf of Oxfam, and the people who will benefit, thank you.' I teared up right away!

I think this will be my last post until I get back from my UK Road Trip! See you in a few weeks!