Shall I stay or shall I go?

At ten to five on Friday evening a Cornish area code sprung up on my phone. “Lindsey, you’re getting on a plane to Tokyo on Tuesday. Can you do it?” -Oh gosh!- I thought. I was all in a fluster. I called up my boss and told her I couldn’t come to work on Monday. Fortunately, I’m temping, thus making deployment with Shelterbox quite suitable. Nevertheless, ringing your boss and giving them absolutely no warning time that you’re leaving sets the pulses racing. I’ve not much experience in handing in my notice. However, representing Shelterbox as their PR spokesperson in one of the biggest disasters we’ve ever seen aided my justification.

This is the life of the Shelterbox Response Team (SRT). You live your daily life as normal and when you get the phone call you pack up and go. SRT’s are made up of a variety of professions: police, teachers, corporate executives, ex Forces, journalists and retirees. We all donate our spare time and holiday time to one fantastic cause. Delivering aid to those that need it most.

Less than 24 hours later I had just completed a half marathon. My ridiculous attempt of keeping me on track in training for the Ironman in the summer. I had even paced myself with fellow runners and shared my news of my deployment. Obviously wasn’t running that hard! Alas I returned to the tent to claim my possessions, swiftly after receiving a well earnt massage. A missed call! “Lindsey, Japan’s on hold!” Due to politics and complications HQ were forced to postpone the mission.

I had to grovel for my job back but I’m still ready and waiting for Shelterbox’s next deployment.