Another Day Gone, Another Day Closer

Graduation seems like a lifetime ago, although in all actuality it was three weeks ago today. I feel like I am in foreign territory. I have no schedule of sleeping and waking, although I try to make the day worth while and not sleep through half of it (this is a struggle for me - as I am the queen of the night). I've been helping my mom mostly, preparing for Brad's arrival back home for Afghanistan (he's stateside - we'll see him early next week).

But mostly I'm having a difficult time keeping myself busy. Some nights I think, "how did it get to be nighttime, I did absolutely nothing." At least my summer job starts soon. That will probably give me a sense of productivity.

I am having a blast with my family. Catching up on all the latest, greatest happenings and funnies. There is a lot of laughter that comes from this house - it is like music to the ears. When there's not laughter, there is intense cheering and yelling - mostly stemming from the living room when the Blackhawks are playing (our living room has morphed into the "Blackhawks" room, flags, pictures, fatheads, and bobble heads - I'm sure there will be more additions to come).

Although I am enjoying the time with my family, I find myself wishing the days away until I leave for Indonesia. It almost seems unreal that I will be living there in a few weeks. Sometimes I think it's a dream that won't come true - but it will. And it will very soon. I know that when it is time to leave there will be tears and sadness, but there will also be an overwhelming excitement about what is to come. It's a bittersweet feeling.

I leave for Indonesia on July 12, a month and 15 days from today. I have 3 layovers - Detroit, Tokyo, and Singapore. From there I will spend the night in Singapore and get my work visa for Indonesia. The following day my new roommate and I will be travelling to Jakarta and from there to our house. In all, I will be in the air for 30 hours (yikes - might need to be sedated) but with all the layovers it is a 48 hour trip. My goodness - that seems eternal.

I also got my official class assignment. I will be teaching 3rd grade (with the exception of English) and also 6th grade English. It's a unique idea, and it is implied all over the school. I will also begin learning the native language of Bahasa - although I will be able to communicate by English. I love learning new cultures and language - so this is something I am really looking forward to.

Please keep me in your prayers in the coming weeks as I begin preparations and packing.

Much love,

Dawn

PS - random fact, Indonesian students refer to their teachers as Ms. (first name). My students will be referring to me as Ms. Marie. I have issues (who doesn't :P ?) about people pronouncing my name wrong - so I am going by Marie instead of Dawn.

Dordt College Graduate

I officially graduated from Dordt College today. As I sat in the ceremony, I thought of all the blessings and opportunities that the Lord has put in my life while I attending there the last four years.

The faculty and staff of Dordt were inspirational. I wouldn't be the person I am if it weren't for them. You know who are :) I have learned so much from you all. It was sad to say goodbye to them because they were not only faculty and staff but dear friends.

I have made some of the best friends that I will forever cherish. Kaila - my PIC (if you can't remember what that means - watch Role Models), Anna - the dictator of fun, Grace, and Smashley. We had some great times, and even when life got chaotic we stuck together until the storm cleared up.

While at Dordt I was able to be a part of AMOR - A Mission OutReach. I went to Belize with a team of girls and two staff members of Dordt. It was a blessing to see a new side of God's creation in Belize, befriend teammates and work with them side by side, but also to be a witness in Christ's name.

Dordt also shared an insight to an internship in New York City my sophomore year, provided ample hands-on opportunities through different out reaches and education practicum including my recent student teaching in Crown Point, IN and Ripon, CA. Oh, and how could I forget - one of the biggest blessings stemming from Dordt is my new job at SPH.

A friend of mine in the education department suggested for me to attend an informational meeting and group interview with SPH, especially since I was looking to apply to teach overseas. I agreed to check it out and now a few months later, am employed by them.

These are just some of the blessings that God allowed me to have at Dordt. I am thrilled to be a college graduate - but I will never forget the awesome experiences that led to new adventures.

Thanks for all the support and prayers over the years. I ask that you will continue to keep me in your prayers as I press onward and begin this new chapter of my life in Indonesia come July.

Blessings,

Dawn