I am almost over my jet lag. I know: I’ve been back for two weeks now and I am still dealing with the effects of a messed up body clock. I expect that by next weekend, it will all be good and I’ll be fine again.

Which is terrific. Because next Sunday, I’ll be getting on another long haul flight and going back to the U.S. so I can go to Friends for Life (FFL).

I can’t tell you how excited I am about this. (The going to FFL part; not the long haul flight/more jet lag/perpetually messed up body clock part.)

I‘m more than thrilled to be given the opportunity to attend FFL. I have spoken to so many people who have gone and I get the same words from everyone: ‘It’s life-changing’, they all say. I have met Jeff Hitchcock from Children with Diabetes (who runs FFL) a number of times, and each time, I inevitably say ‘Jeff – how do we get this to Australia?’ Part of the reason I’m going next week is to see how indeed we could make that happen!

Because here in the wonderful land of Oz, we don’t have anything like FFL. Of course, we have camps for kids with diabetes and, in some states, family camps. In fact, just this weekend (and next weekend too), Diabetes Victoria will be hosting our annual family camps for kids with diabetes and one of their parents.

The difference with FFL is that is for the whole family – everyone! And it’s not just for kids with diabetes. Panreatically-challenged adults can go and take their family along too (including my little clan, which is making me explode with excitement!). This means that at FFL, everyone is considered – siblings, parents, partners, kids of parents with diabetes, even grandparents!

This completely subscribes to the It takes a Village idea. And the longer I live with diabetes, the more people I speak with who are affected by diabetes, the more I realise this is a truism like no other.

I am so happy that my family is coming along too. When it was decided that I should attend this year’s FFL, I knew there was no way that I could go without them.  I was crazy if I thought the kidlet (and Aaron!) would ever forgive me for going to Disney World alone – even if it was for work.

So, I’m looking forward to joining the Friends for Life village next week, and adding my little tribe to it. It will even be worth the jet lag that will, undoubtedly ensue!