Are we there yet?

Two weeks. Each week seeming further than the last, but passing quicker than the previous. I am ready to GO. Getting really antsy, yet enjoying the last moments with my family and the things that I have come to under-appreciate as an American. Gorging on foods I love, watching lots of movies, killing time online, boardgames, music, and learning how to walk. If I'm to be walking as much as it sounds like I will be, I will need all the practice I can get. Went to Disneyland with the siblings last Friday and after about 12-13 hours walking and standing up I realized I'm gonna need it. Also been spending alot of money on stuff for the trip. Maybe overkill but hopefully I will be glad I have it. Got some new sweat-wicking clothes, a nice hiking backpack, a solar charger, a nice little netbook, headlamp, sunglasses, hat, lightweight sleeping bag, nice leatherman, a few blank notebooks, nice pens, and a bunch of other small things. Today I also bought a bunch of little items for the kids in my village to enjoy like stickers, balloons, glowsticks, and bracelets. Good thing I got a good chunk of change saved up from the 7 months I worked.

I really have no idea what I'm about to embark on. Every few days I get a few more pieces of the puzzle. It sounds like quite an adventure and I only hope I'm up for it. Had you asked me if I'd ever be a teacher one year ago I probably would have said no, and here I am about to teach math for two years. I have never enjoyed being the focus of attention and always had trouble overcoming the fear of talking in front of people. Slowly overtime, the more and more I did it, the easier it became and the better I was at it. I'm sure after the first few classes I will be used to it. Hopefully it comes easily to me. I think I could be a decent teacher once I find my groove. If not than hopefully I can make a fool out of myself and get a lot of smiles. Say cheeeeese!!!!!

So on May 30th I will fly out of here and spend about two days in Chicago getting an initial introduction and staging with the 50 or so other volunteers headed to Salone with me. June 1st we fly to Brussels, then to The Gambia, and on to Freetown where I'll spend about a week in the Soccer Stadium Hostel doing more initial training and getting adapted to my new surroundings. From there its onto Makeni for 10 weeks of language, cultural, and teaching training.

Culture shock here I come, and upon my return to the states in 27 months.....even BIGGER culture shock!!!