An Interesting Realization

When I first got to Indonesia, it took me a while to get used to the staring. But it was like Robbie-staring. When my brother Robbie stares at people, he looks at them (even when they look back) and turns his whole head and body around, just to continue staring. I have since gotten used to it, but then something interesting occurred to me.

Whenever I see boulet (aka white people), I stop and stare and gawk. Usually I turn to my friend and say "hey look - there's white people in here!" I usually get laughed at and get reminded that I too am white, and that people are still staring at me too.

I guess I'm so used to seeing Indonesians around here, I forget that I am a stranger walking amongst them in a sea of color.

Reflections from a First Week

Well, it's been quite an adventure here in Sentul this week. The first day, as most of you readers know, was excellent. It couldn't have been a better day than it was. I was dreading the start - mostly because of nerves, but I easily got into the swing of things and I love my classes.

In Grade 3 English we are learning about nouns and pronouns. We went on a noun scavenger hunt (which ultimately turns into a game of Scattegories - if you don't know what that game is - ask a parent or a grandparent....it's old school). For Bible we are beginning our focus on the theme of the SPH this year - Saved to Serve (the verse comes from Revelations 1:4-6). For our Social Studies (which Budi and I are teaching together) - we are focusing on one of the (27,000) islands of Indonesia. It's called Nusa Tenggara. Out of all the islands we had to get this one - there is literally no information on it. However - the only bit of information we found out was that it was the home of the man eating crocodile. The kids got a kick out of that.

Those are the only subjects I teach in Grade 3 (Budi takes Math, Bahasa, and Art). I also teach Grade 6 English. They are wonderful kids - very rambunctious - but a ton of fun. As of Tuesday we are beginning a novel study of the book "Holes". I'm so excited - it's a great book and I know they are going to love it.

On Wednesday we had a half day. In fact every Wednesday we have a half day. At 12:30 we usually have a half hour of professional development, then get an hour or two to plan, and then end the day with staff chapel. All of the new teachers had to give their testimonies - which included me. I was almost sick about it - just because I hate public speaking (teaching is not public speaking in my eyes). It went fabulous. I focused on how I never wanted to be a teacher, but then got convinced by my late professor to join her education class. The rest is history. Then I told about how God has made me really content and happy with serving kids so that they can be further educated. I ended with how I got to SPH, and now as I sit here thinking about it, I realize just how extremely providential God has been in this journey of application, acceptance, and change. I am so blessed to be where I am right now. I have never been happier. This is truely my calling from God.

The week ended with celebration. A few of us teachers ordered our martabak manis (which basically translates into the cake that will be the death of you by means of heart attack). We went to a stand and they fried about a stick of butter, added cake mix, a gob of sugar, more butter, an obscene amount of chocolate, more batter and condensed milk. I only needed a piece to feel be satisfied.

The weekend will be nice to kick back and relax. All of my lessons are made and all of my homework is printed out for the week.

Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement! What a week.

The First Day of School

Ever since 1st grade, I struggled sleeping the night before school commenced. When I finally drifted off to sleep, it ended up being anything but restful. The same thing happened last night, even now as I am in the teacher's shoes. My mind kept rolling and things kept coming into my mind. I don't think I've ever been this stressed before - to be honest, I guess it's not stressed, it's more nerves.

I woke up this morning to a demon alarm. I have the old school alarm with two bells, except it rings and screams "Good morning, Wake up!" I set my alarm for 5:10, as I always do. However somehow it went bazerk at 3 in the morning. When I finally got a grip on reality and turned on my light, I couldn't understand how my alarm clock was ringing when it was still set for 5:10. Oh my! Then it started making animal noises. (This is not a joke - I think in attempting to turn it off, I switched the alarm to animal noises and it went off again).

Well long story short, I finally got my life together, slept for a few more hours and eventually got up. Leanne and I took back to school pictures in front of our house. I felt like a little kid again. It was kind of fun.

Leanne and I drove in with our neighbors (their daughter has her first day of school in Kindy today). We got the last things ready in our class and crossed our fingers. Then the LCD (projector) went out and I kinda lost it. I kept saying I need LSD, I need LSD, and my teacher kept laughing at me. Whoops - I meant to say LCD. We got it working just in time for the parents to come.

The parents come for the first two hours of school for a presentation and information session. We also work with the kids and try to keep them busy here. The parents were amazing. I have been told the parents have a little bit of an issue adjusting to new international teachers, but they were very open with me and extremely talkative.

My friend Dini said that in Grade 5 parents really liked my teaching and presentation style. What a blessing to hear that. It was so reassuring to me that the parents approved (especially being a new teacher and all).

We played people bingo, filled out some get-to-know-you sheets, and talked about birthdays and other important events. By then it was lunch. The day was half over - wow! I ate lunch with the principal and Dini, as well as the PE teacher Febri. We had a nice chat and it was refreshing to talk to other people around my own age.

After lunch I had English - Grade 6 for three periods. We played the toilet paper game (they have to take as many squares as they want and for each square they have mention something about themselves). We also played the stranded on the deserted island game (where they choose one thing, tell why, and form groups of how they would use their items for survival). This transitioned into how we in Grade 6 will work as a team and a family to make English 6 work. We made some class rules and then went to the library for the remainder of the period.

I came back for a break (while Budi taught Math) and then took my Grade 3 students to the library as well. I had a blast with my Grade 3 students. We started the book, "The Best School Year Ever" - which is a follow up to the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (however you can read the books in whichever sequence. The students thought it was the funniest book ever - and actually I laughed aloud a number of times. It's a great book to start the students out with.

Now I have the rest of the afternoon off because Budi is teaching Bahasa language. It's nice to sit down for a while. I'm totally wiped. What a day! I'm so glad it was good, but I'm also so glad it's over. So much stress and anticipation for one single day! I feel very content and calm now.

Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. God is good! Love to all!

PS - enjoy the 1st Day of School Pictures below!

Classroom and 1st Day Teacher Photos

First Day of School Photo - oh the memories!

Pak Budi (my teaching partner) & Ms. Marie (aka me)

Since we are an IBO programmed school we need these traits to be posted anywhere in our classroom.

This is the start of our "Learner Profile" bulletin board - to be finished soon.

Math Bulletin Board

Note the misspelling of milliliter :)

My wonderful desk (which has a view of the pool)

Kudos to Mom, Dad, Gramps, and Gram for giving me some awesome desk decor!

Grade 3 Photos

Working on Holiday (Summer) Postcards

Working on Getting to Know You Sheets

Not-So-Big Smiles

Ziankha reading "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles"

Kudos to Julie Andrews for writing such a neat book!

Geronimo Stilton Fans in the reading corner!

Grade 6 Class Photos

Great Big Smiles!

Silly Faces!

My Parents Rock!

One of the biggest struggles I've faced in Indonesia is not talking to my family everyday. In college I would call my mom and dad every single day, and so now that I'm here, it's difficult making that transition. It's a good thing I'm keeping myself busy or I think I'd be going through severe withdraws. However, I think I've made big strides.

If you readers are facebook stalkers, you would have known that I was having trouble making contact back home. Mostly because someone at home signed out of skype and never signed back in. Ah, that drives me crazy!

Finally I was able to touch base with the parentals this morning at 5 am (their time) which is pm my time. It was so great to hear and see them. They are pretty much the most amazing people I know. Anyway, I took skype pictures of them...and they're pretty funny. I hope they make you smile as much as they do me.

Alright, well I need to get ready and head to my neighbor's for an ice cream social. Selamat Mallum (which means good evening for those of you in the east) otherwise Selamat Pagi (which means good morning for those of you in the west). Love to you all!

Do All of Us a Favor and Don't Drink and Drive

Tonight I was going heading to Bellanova (which is the local eatery/mall). Elise and Ferrah were riding Elise's motorbike so I took an ojek. No big shakes on that one. I've become a professional at avoiding the exhaust pipe so I don't scorch my leg (which by the way is healing - but it looks like there will be a nice big 4 inch scar - at least it is half the size of the original burn).

Anyway, I walk down to the ojek hang-out and call for an ojek. This older man (I'd say 60's) stumbles over and his words are slurred. Not only that, but he reeks of alcohol. There's absolutely no way I was going to hop on the bike. I saw premonitions of broken bones and death - no way!

The ojek driver kept telling me to get on (at least that's what I gathered). I refused and asked for another driver. The ojek driver zoomed off about 5 feet and drove the motorbike into a 2 foot pit on the side of the road that was blocked off by orange cones. So I helped him get the bike out (which was more difficult than you might think). Even after that he thought he was still fit for driving.

Thankfully another ojek driver came and actually spoke broken English (anything at this point is a blessing). He told the old man to get off and for me to get on. So I did, but then the old man decided that since I was on the bike he could drive me.

Oh! I screamed (more out of frustration than anything). I think that caught both of them off guard. Thankfully the sober ojek got on the bike and brought me to Bellanova.

I always cross path with the crazies. Sure, it makes for some good stories, but goodness!

FYI

If any of the photos are half uploaded on the blog, just click them to see the full picture.

Sometimes blogger likes to be a pain in the butt.

Finally - Unlimited Access to the Outside World!

It's official - I finally have internet in my house! After almost two weeks, I can stare into the endless portal of the world wide web. Haha. Actually I'm just looking forward to keeping my blog updated and emails responded to.

Today (Saturday) I went into school for 5 hours to work on my classroom. I had painters in my classroom trying to slap a new coat of paint across my room. It's funny how they're painting it 3 days before school starts.

I am just about finished with all of my bulletin boards. I'm hoping to get pictures of them on Monday. My first bulletin boards as a teacher! Ah! How exciting. I also rearranged my classroom and worked at organizing my storage closet.

Just I was about to leave I met up with Elise (who by the way is an MYP and DP English/Lit teacher) and she let me try out her motorbike. I got to drive an actual motorbike - aka automatic motorcycle! Look out world! I'm still making my decision about which bike I am going to buy, but I will definitely have on by mid/end of August.

I came home and basked in the AC and made myself a grilled cheese. Now I am just waiting for some friends to come by so we can have dinner. Happy weekend to all of you!

Friday Night Fun

Friday nights are always fun, but they tend to be expensive. Not in Indonesia! You get triple the fun for 1/5 of the price.

After running around school like a chicken with it's head cut off (I am trying to adjust to the PYP IBO program - International Baccalaureate Organization) I went to Bogor with my newly found friends, Lis, Elise, and Ferrah.

We went to Botoni Square (which is the mall in Bogor - I can't remember if I told you that before). After walking around the various levels, we went up to the top floor to grab some dinner. I wish I could remember what the name of the restaurant was.

The waitress gives you a menu and you tally the items that your table would like to receive. Once you pay and turn in your menu, the wait for the food is about ten minutes. I ate Parmesan chicken - Indonesian style. It was delicious, but extremely deep fried. My stomach was angry at me - but it was worth it. I also had two bottles of water. My entire dinner cost me 2.30 USD. Let me just say, it was better than any US restaurant food I'd ever had before.

After dinner Elise and I went to Giant (the huge Ikea/Walmart/grocery store) and bought rain gear (we need it - after all it rains over 300 days a year here!). We also bought CHOCOLATE! Ahh!!! I was having withdraws.

We went to see Eclipse in the movie theater. For the movie, fresh caramel corn, and water cost 3.60 USD. Talk about a great deal! The movie theater was partially full, and the seats were like some of the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. I was curious to know if the movie was in Bahasa or in English, as I'm sure all of you readers are wondering. All of the movies (at least in this theater) are shown in English with Bahasa subtitles. It was interesting to see the subtitles because I could match up words and phrases that I've been learning.

Elise, Lis, and I took a taxi home and I was exhausted. I went to bed at 10 o'clock. Which was the latest I have ever stayed up in Indonesia. I was dragging. On a normal day (Sunday-Saturday) I am usually in bed and asleep by 8, or the very latest 8:30.

It was a great night! I had a blast. I am so thankful to have new friends and I have seemed to find my niche.

Sentul City

Traffic in Bogor - this is on a good day!

(note there are no traffic lanes)

Sentul City - straight ahead!!!

Roadside wonders on the way to my house.

Sentul City is the Hollywood of Indonesia

(haha, not really - but I love the sign!)

My New Home

The view from the end of my driveway.

The bench is where the helpers/maids/ojeks all hang out.

If you look down the street a bit, there's an ojek hang-out where I usually get my ojek from

Above: The front of my house

Below: Part of my bedroom

(I'm learning Bahasa - slowly - so I put sticky notes around the mirror to help me practice every morning when I'm drying my hair)

The view out of my bedroom window

The mote that goes around my entire backyard

and fills up every single time it rains (usually once a day)

One Day Closer to School

I got to school today and we met as a PYP staff. We learned how to use our projectors and new computers. After our meeting, Budi and I went and worked on our bulletin boards. Hopefully I will be able to post pictures of them later.

Our classroom is coming together. The floor has been polished and waxed, the walls are getting painted tomorrow, and a good chunk of our bulletin boards are ready. We haven't started planning yet. Because our classrooms need more work, we are putting off planning.

My new friend Elise, who is a fellow expat, joined Leanne and I for lunch. Samini made us the most amazing lunch. It was spaghetti with squash, tomato chunks, broccoli, carrots, and chicken. It sounds odd, but it was AMAZING!

I had to leave campus a little after 1 this afternoon to go to immigration. Since we are boulet (in case you forgot - boulet is white people), we got priority in the immigration office. I felt weird doing this because there were so many people just waiting and not moving.

I got my picture taken for my visa and I look like an oompa loompa! I had to adjust my hair out of my eyes and then the guy took it while I was turning my head. Oh my! It's so repulsive! The guys in the immigration office laughed and laughed. Even though we couldn't understand each other on a language level, we both understood how funny my picture was. Too bad they didn't offer to let me retake the picture.

I got back from immigration sooner than what I was planning on. It was nice to be back earlier though. I ran into Ibu (Miss/Lady) Jenny, who is the principal of PYP and she asked me to take on a Spring production for the PYP. She heard of my interest in drama and acting and suggested that I might like to be a part of it. So I am co-directing it with the dance teacher.

Ah! Now I can take a break and toss my feet up. It's so good to finally get my blog updated. Thanks for your patience and prayers!

Love you all!

A New Week, A New Experience

Monday and Tuesday we broke into grade level groups and learned the art of Scasy (which is our online grade book - which the PYP - primary years program - teachers only use for report cards) and also how to run our email and online calendar .

In the afternoon we had to work in our classrooms. The classrooms were not cleaned from the previous year and there are things hanging from the ceiling and bulletin boards up, etc.

3rd grade, which I teach this year, is now located in the old art room. And let me just say that the room is a pit!! Paint on the walls, on the floor, pretty much anywhere where it shouldn't be!

I ripped things off the wall and ceiling, emptied out filing cabinets and started bulletin boards. I made a big dent in cleaning and reorganization though.

Wednesday we met the majority of the staff. It was so nice to branch off and meet the other expats and nationals.We had a in-house retreat in the gym and had a minor (ha) communication error. The speaker only spoke Bahasa, so one of the teachers, Scott, translated for us.

We had headphones in and listened to him speak. However mine didn't work. I couldn't hear anything. I figured everyone else had this same problem since other expats were doodling or journaling or even writing the power point slide notes in Bahasa. Oh no, they heard it.

I sat for an hour and a half trying to keep from fidgeting (which for me is HIGHLY challenging).

After the first round we took a break and I realized I was the only one that hadn't heard it. Oh my, I was annoyed. But I have to admit it was a unique experience.

I was in a room of nearly almost all bi-lingual people and here I am, an English speaker that occasionally uses tiny spouts of spanish. It was like a whirlwind around me. It's a surreal experience to be in a room when the language only being spoken is not your own.

Not knowing Bahasa has proven to be quite a challenge. Everyone in Sentul knows basic English, or enough to get by. However it's not like that outside the city limits. Usually I point (with my thumb) to pictures or make hand gestures to get my point across. I have to admit I have not gotten to the point of exasperation, but there are times where it is a bit discouraging.

In September during Ramadan I am going to Jokeja to do some language training with another expat. We get a week and a half break for Ramadan (which everyone here calls 'holiday' not 'break). I think that this language training will help me communicate better. One small step in the right direction will open a world of possibilities and communication.

First Ojek Experience

Ojeks are the way to get around most of Indonesia, especially in Sentul. Ojeks, for those of you who don't know are taxi motorbikes. Basically you hop on the back of one and tell them where to go, or at least a vague vicinity.

The first time I went on I was convinced I was going to die. The driver weaves in and out of traffic avoiding getting hit by oncoming vehicles or huge potholes. But....I survived.

The way back to my house was a different story. We stalled 3 times (because we ran out of gas) and I scorched my leg on the exhaust. I have an 8 inch burn on my leg that is bad news!

I have taken ojeks a few more times after this first trip, however I am looking forward to having my own motorbike.

First Sunday in Sentul

It was nice to not wake up to an alarm on Sunday (although I was up both days before 6).

We were picked up by Scott and went to a church in Bogor. It was a very homely church with a few dozen nationals. The church was very lively and welcoming. I think I will go back and visit again before I decide where I am going to go.

On the way home we saw a Muslim celebration involving a goat fight (which ultimately leads to a sacrifice). It was very odd to see this, especially since it is something that we do not see in the states.

In the afternoon Leanne and I took a taxi into Bogor (about a 10 minute drive) and went to the Starbucks to get internet. We had not touched base with our families yet so we felt the need to do that. I was able to Skype with my mom (at 5 in the morning). It was good to hear her voice.

When we decided it was late and time to come home, we encountered a few interesting experiences. We were waiting in line for a taxi (in Indo taxis are generally cheap - for example from my house to Bogor one way is 3 dollars) and we had to put our name on a list with the beckoner. We were disregarded when it came to the list. People ahead and behind us all had taxis, and Leanne and I ended up waiting an hour. The beckoner assumed we would bribe him to put our names on the top of the list. Indonesians assume that boulets (white people) have lots of money and that we use our money to push our way to the top.

While we were waiting, there was a sad sight to see. Street boys ranging from the ages of 5 to 12 walk the streets barefeet with umbrellas hoping to get 1,000 rupiahs (which ends up being 10 cents - however 1,000 rupiah's is highly valued). It's hard to believe that such poverty exists. I want to take them home with me, but I know I can't and that's hard for me to swallow, especially for them being so young.

Our patience paid off and eventually we got a taxi home and headed to bed. What a day!

Hello from Indonesia

It's been quite a while since I posted on my blog. I have been in Indonesia for almost a week now and so much has happened. My head is sponged with new information and things to remember.

We arrived in Jakarta at about 7:30 in the evening (which is 7:30 in the morning). After immigration, baggage claim, and customs, we met Nick (our principal) and Wiwiek (the coordinator). It was nice to match faces to the voices I heard over the phone or via email.

Our drive to our house was quite lengthy, mostly due to traffic. The whole driving on the other side of the road is mind boggling. It's awkward. When I get my motorbike, I'm going to have to practice because it does not make much sense to me.

We got to our house and instead of settling in, went straight to bed. It was nearly 11:30 by then. I slept like a baby. Surprisingly I had minimal setbacks from jetlag. I think it was because I slept most of my plane rides.

The rest of the week we had an overwhelming orientation. This was mostly due to being told things that did not apply to my department. However I did learn a number of cultural things. First of all you are not allowed to pass things with your left hand. Only with your right. Doing this is offensive. Also, when you point, you need to use your thumb, not your pointer. It's more discreet. Using red pens and all caps is a big no-no here too. There are much more but it seems that those things are repeated more often.

I got my first taste of Indonesian food. I had sate ayam (soy coated chicken kabobs), nasi (rice), and fried corn fritters (I don't remember this in Bahasa). Delicious. I find myself eating less because I'm full faster. The food here is so delicious and much more expansive. The desserts here are unique. They are not very sweet but they still do taste delicious. For example I had fried banana with melted cheese and chocolate. You would think that was nasty (as I did) but it was very good!

Wednesday thru Sunday we shopped till we dropped. We were blessed by getting a move-in allowance and means of transportation. This allowed me to get all the necessities for my house, including decorations and what not.

This adjustment period has been very helpful and beneficial, and I'm so glad that I have very supportive co-workers and neighbors that have been there for me every step of the way.

No Room at the Inn

I arrived in Singapore about 2 in the morning (which is 2 in the afternoon for all you blog readers back home). My roommate and a fellow teacher met up with two other teachers that were coming in to teach at different campuses.

After some confusion at the baggage claim, we had to call a taxi van (mostly due to Leanne's 4 bags she hauled from the states). However, we all had our fair share of baggage.

The two teachers we met at the airport were dropped off at the YWCA and we headed to the Trader's Inn. We were escorted to our hotel, only to find that we no longer had our reserved rooms. However, they made arrangements for us at their sister hotel, Shangra-La (which happens to be the most exquisite and best hotel in the city, according to our taxi drivers). We were given two suites and vouchers for breakfast (you'd be surprised how much breakfast costs - Singapore is expensive!). We were also told that we were invited for complimentary cocktails during happy hour (which lasts from 11 am to 10:30 pm).

I am so grateful to be out of the plane (which I have to admit was not as bad as I thought it would be) and in Singapore. I think it's going to take a lot of adjusting to get used to the heat, but this is such a spectacular adventure that the heat doesn't seem to phase me.

Well I'm off to soak in the tub before I have to pick up my visa and passport and head to the airport.

Much love heading your way!

The Lobby of the Shangra-La Hotel

The Pool

Leanne and I's Sweet Suite!!

The changing room (currently where all our luggage is stacked)

Our bathroom (there is a tv that can be watched while soaking in the tub!)

Downtown Singapore - right outside our window!

Bathrooms in Tokyo

I went to the bathroom in Tokyo!

These bathrooms were the craziest things I've ever seen!

There was a choice between the squat-a-potty

or the singing/noise making potty.

Last Hours in the US

This past weekend was great! Margaritas, an 80's movie, about a bazillion episodes of That 70's Show, mini golf, and Aurellio's pizza. I couldn't ask for a better weekend! However, to be honest, today was one of the longest days of my life. This whole "goodbye" thing is not my cup of tea. It's never been a stronghold of mine.

I just said goodbye to my dad (he has to work tomorrow so my mom and Brad are taking me to O'Hare). He's pretty much amazing and hilarious! I'm going to miss him so much. He takes the simplest (and sometimes strangest) things in life and makes them thought provoking and comical.

Tomorrow I'll have to say goodbye to my best friend (aka mom). This will be the hardest goodbye for me. I'm dreading it so much. Not talking to her every day is going to be difficult (but thank goodness for Skype and email!). And let me just say, she is pretty devious too. She convinced me to leave Mr. Bear home and together we made a new teddy bear from Build-A-Bear. I haven't slept without Mr. Bear since - well never. However Kris Versteeg (my new bear - named in honor of my favorite Blackhawks player who was traded) is pretty darn cute and cuddly.

On a completely different note - all my bags are packed. No, that's not the word - they are stuffed, respectively weighing 48.8 pounds and 49 pounds. At some point they were both overweight after the final add-ins, but somehow we made it work. My life has condensed to 2 - 50 pound bags. It's not a lot - but if I had more space, I honestly wouldn't know what else to pack.

Tomorrow it's supposed to storm when my flight is scheduled to take off. Pray that the plane gets off in time and the rain holds off (if not - I'm flying solo all the way to Singapore). It's hard to fathom that I'm going to be in an airplane for 30 hours. What does 30 hours in a congested space feel like (I'll let you know).

Thanks for all the support and prayers! Touch base with all of you readers soon!

A Week Away!

I would say that it is an ordinary Sunday night, but it is anything but that. Today is 4th of July (if you haven't gathered that from my post date) and there are atomic bombs going off in my neighborhood. A few times I was tempted to take cover because I thought the house might crumble from the heart jolting aftershock.

My entire family is at Bass Lake, basking in the heat and sunshine (probably enduring a lesser deafening noise). And why did I stay home? To be a bum? To sleep? Yeah, right! I packed my entire life away into two suitcases and deep cleaned my room.

So far, I've managed to hold it together. Once the weekend come, I'd put money on the fact that I'll be an emotional basketcase. Goodbyes have never been my stronghold....or anything that requires bravery. As sad as those looming goodbyes will be, there is a part of me that's fidgeting inside saying "Come on already, let's get this party started - Indonesian style!"

This upcoming week will be really busy - I still have a few last minute legal things to take care of, a few phone calls to make, babysitting, etc. I think the busyness will take the edge off my anxiety and fear of saying goodbyes.

Once Monday morning comes - the journey across the deep blue sea will commence. I will be meeting my roommate in Michigan and travelling with her (I met Leanne last weekend and she is pretty stinking amazing!) We will fly from Michigan to China and Singapore (that leg alone is 22 hours!) Leanne and I will be spending the night in Singapore and heading off to Indonesia, where we will be picked up and brought to our new home.

*For all you Curious Georges - this is a 48 hour journey (almost halfway across the globe). I don't know about you all, but that is a LONG time!!!

I cannot wait for this opportunity to start. I truly believe that the Lord has great things in store for me. Please pray that all goes well with my travels (especially no lost luggage - that is my greatest fear!!)

Until next time!