Carnival Time

My duty done, I've just managed a hot chocolate before turning in for the night.

One thing I have not said anything about is what's gone on at the Listening Ear tent on the Ocean Hub. That's quite deliberate as the idea it's a safe place where youngsters can come and share their problems ... and they have. It's been a great part of the Jamboree, part of that 'unseen' superstructure that makes the whole thing work well, a safeguard that's really important.

The team I have been working with are great. Headed up by Ellen and Ilsa from Holland, Christine was quickly deputed as deputy leader as Ellen was ill to begin with. Thankfully Ellen was able to return to the Jamboree, but Christine has continued to give a helping hand. A District Commissioner from Cheshire, she has been joined by a good friend Lesley.

Nick has played a big part in organising his contingent's presence at the Jamboree and comes from Manchester. Roma is our senior member. On her fourth Jamboree, from Canada she is in her mid seventies and a wonderful presence. Debbie comes from Ohio and has her son James on an adjacent Sub Camp. Don is from Washington and doing all sorts of other things at the Jamboree as well. Jane is a Guider who is proving a wonderful listening ear for quite a number. While Giancarlo is the star of the team - full of fun, speaking Italian and a little bit of French. We have all been brushing up on our French to include him in!

As the evening wore on a Carnival procession wended its way round the whole of the Jamboree site. It seemed as if all 40,000 participants and leaders were partying away.

Tomorrow sees the start of packing up, with a closing ceremony in the evening.

Then on Wednesday we shall be helping to clear up and on Thursday returning home.

I don't know how much longer the internet cafe will remain open! I'll try another couple of updates before getting home.

I'm really sorry not to have been able to add any more photos - I have some great ones on the mobile phone, but for some reason they have not got through. Orange must be laughing as I have paid for them all ... but not received any!!!

Hope to be in touch again!

Every blessing,

Richard and Felicity