It Starts

Well, the December rush has come at last! I find it amazing how many things can fit into the month of December. Trying to schedule song practices, study for finals, pack for a trip to Utah, decorating for Christmas are all things I'm scheduled to do just in the next five days! Boy, December sure fills up fast!!

I'm going to Utah this week to attend an ILP training session. I'll learn more about what I'll be doing in Russia. Plus, I get to have some fun! I'll report on my adventures in Utah when I return.

My official departure date for Russia is bright and early January 17th and I'll return to the USA on May 31st.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the season!

One month, 13 days

Happy Thanksgiving!

May you remember the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon you!

There are many, many things that I am grateful for! I am thankful for my wonderful family and my marvelous friends. I am thankful for the rain that falls to keep Washington green! I am thankful for all my blessings. I can truly see the hand of God in my life!

What a wonderful time of year this is when we have the chance to remember and give thanks for all our blessings!! I love life and all its joys! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

One month, 26 days!

Is It Time Yet?

Although it has been only two weeks since I learned by departure date, it seems that I've already left. There are still roughly two months until I physically leave, but my mind has already drifted across the ocean! In one of the college courses I am taking this term, we are studying learning styles and effective ways to learn. One section of the textbook is titled "Be Here Now", meaning to be in class both physically and mentally. I am finding it more difficult each day to "be here now" in Vancouver as time draws nearer to drastic change!

Things are slowly coming to a close in preparation for a new beginning! I am finishing up the last few immunizations I need before I leave. I'll be spending a December weekend in Utah for my training session! Boy, am I going to return from that on fire- the fire of anticipation!!

I cannot put into words how excited I am! I am excited to be in a new place, to venture out of Vancouver, to have this grand opportunity to teach English! I am especially excited to spend time with the children of another culture. There are things that I will teach the children, but I know that they will teach me one hundred times what I could ever teach them! Such are the things to look forward to!

Two months, one day!

Start the Countdown!

Hello all!

I have just received my tentative date of departure. As far as I know, I will be leaving on or around 16 January 2008. I am super excited!

Enjoy the week!

Two months, 14 days

There's a Cold Front Moving In!

This morning on my way to school, I was reminded by the nose-bitting cold that I am soon going to be in very cold weather! I'm slowly getting ready for the Russian snow by assessing the clothing I have and what I will need to stay warm. I've decided that I'll need more than what I am wearing in the following picture.

This is my niece, Chickadee, and I on our trip through the Cascade Mountains in June 2007. It was really exciting to see snow in June!

The next time I see snow, I'll surely need a coat, gloves, a hat, etc. I'd better get a move on to beat the cold!

A Note of Gratitude

Hi all!

I want to thank all those who have contributed to my trip to Russia. It would not be possible without your help.

Thank you ever so much!

Where Am I Going?

Well, time has certainly flown. It is now well into October- close to the end! January is just around the corner, and so is my departure from Vancouver. I am super excited for this big adventure!!

I will be in Voronezh, Russia from January to June teaching English in a school. The map below shows where Voronezh (the yellow tack) is in relation to Moscow to the north and Ukraine to the southwest.

(Click map to enlarge)

I'll be living with a host family and learning to speak Russian. I know a few words currently: please, thank you, good bye. I'm hoping to learn more basic words and phrases between now and January.

I hope this gives you an idea of where I am going!