I almost forgot to post about the books I've decided to take. And since a few of you have asked about it, I'm going to tell you.
First, I'm taking Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis. It's the newest in my Lewis library and I've only read it once. That means that I have several times of re-reading it before I really understand it. I wanted to take something Lewis as he is one of my favorite writers, but the Chronicles are too short and the Space Trilogy is three books and takes up too much room. I think this will be a great choice for my Lewis selection.
Second, my Jane Austen selection. I picked Persuasion for several reasons. It's the last work by Austen and the most mature. It is also about a lost and found love, and dealing with family and societal pressures. I can't say it's my favorite Austen, because I love them all, but it's near the top always.
Third and final, I'm taking Walking on Water by Madeline L'Engle. I really wanted something by L'Engle but could not decide which of the Time Quartet books to take. This one is a non-fiction about being a Christian writer/artist. It's amazing. It stirs my creativity and satisfies my need for elegant writing.
Well, those are the three I'm taking with me to read. And if any of you feel the need to send me quality literature while I'm away, I will love you forever!
October 21, 2006
watch the news!
If you are not doing anything at 5:30 this evening, watch the news on 5/30 (KOAA). I should be on!
And remember, I'm out of town for the next week and a half. Carin, Vicky, Nathan and I are headed to Disney and then I'll swing down to AZ to visit Grandma Doyle.
I'll post when I'm back.
And remember, I'm out of town for the next week and a half. Carin, Vicky, Nathan and I are headed to Disney and then I'll swing down to AZ to visit Grandma Doyle.
I'll post when I'm back.
October 14, 2006
my friend dara...
This is my dearest friend, Dara, and I at her going away party. She is now in Ghana with Peace Corps. She is the one who got me interested in PC. I miss her like crazy.
October 13, 2006
the end of an era...
Today was my last day at Compassion.
After nine years, it was a bit hard to leave, but it's also time. I'll miss the great people that I got to work with and the great work we did for the kids. I'm glad that God brought me to Compassion nine years ago, but I'm also really excited about what He is taking me into now as well.
I did learn today that I'm not staging in Philly, rather, I'm staging in DC!! I hope we'll have a few hours to see the monuments. It's been years since I've been to DC and I would love to see some of the places again. Then it will be on to Johannesburg for an overnight stay in South Africa before flying into Windhoek.
I should be getting my staging packet next week with all the details. I'll keep you all updated!
And for anyone that I missed saying goodbye to today, goodbye. I'll miss you bunches!
After nine years, it was a bit hard to leave, but it's also time. I'll miss the great people that I got to work with and the great work we did for the kids. I'm glad that God brought me to Compassion nine years ago, but I'm also really excited about what He is taking me into now as well.
I did learn today that I'm not staging in Philly, rather, I'm staging in DC!! I hope we'll have a few hours to see the monuments. It's been years since I've been to DC and I would love to see some of the places again. Then it will be on to Johannesburg for an overnight stay in South Africa before flying into Windhoek.
I should be getting my staging packet next week with all the details. I'll keep you all updated!
And for anyone that I missed saying goodbye to today, goodbye. I'll miss you bunches!
October 10, 2006
the end and the beginning...
I have only 3 days left of work at Compassion. That's weird. I've known for a while now that I wasn't going to make it to 10 years (that would have been August 07) but it's still rather odd to think I won't be there after Friday. I've spent a third of my life working there and it has had a great impact on who I am today.
It's even weirder to think that in a few short weeks, I'll be in another country to live for two years. I don't think it has set in yet, there is too much to do first. All the packing and selling and giving away of things. I finally did my resume (the PC needed it yet again) and my aspiration statement. That's two less pieces of paperwork that I have to do.
Pippin is settled in his new home. That's one big relief. It's hard not to have him but it was easier than losing Watson. I think it's because I know he's safe somewhere, sorta like he is on vacation. Maybe I'll get a monkey in Namibia, just to have a pet to take care of.
Well, here's to the old and looking forward to the new. Less than a month to go!
It's even weirder to think that in a few short weeks, I'll be in another country to live for two years. I don't think it has set in yet, there is too much to do first. All the packing and selling and giving away of things. I finally did my resume (the PC needed it yet again) and my aspiration statement. That's two less pieces of paperwork that I have to do.
Pippin is settled in his new home. That's one big relief. It's hard not to have him but it was easier than losing Watson. I think it's because I know he's safe somewhere, sorta like he is on vacation. Maybe I'll get a monkey in Namibia, just to have a pet to take care of.
Well, here's to the old and looking forward to the new. Less than a month to go!
October 4, 2006
the wonderful world of packing...
It's begun. I love packing, and I hate it. I love making things fit but I hate having to make decisions. So I'm starting early to make sure that I have lots of time to agonize over what to take and what not to take.
The good news is that I think I won't have a problem with not having room for everything I want to take. The backpack I got (thanks mom!) has lots of room plus a daypack that attaches to the front with even more room. I thought about taking only that until I realized that my pillow would never fit and no way and I'm going to not take my pillow. Yes, I'm spoiled, but I also know that I sleep better with my contoured foam pillow under my head. And given the amount of stress I'm already experiencing, I need my sleep! SO the pillow is going. This means I'm also taking my small (carry-on size) suitcase. My pillow, two pairs of shoes, camera and hopefully the laptop will fit in that.
I can see you all squirming about that "l" word. Yes, I'm taking a laptop. It's recommended highly by current PCV's (that's Peace Corps Volunteers). As a teacher, it will be helpful to write assignment and track grades. I can charge it at school and then bring it home. The plus side is it also means I'll be able to watch DVD's!! And you all know how happy that makes me.
So, I'm packing (and unpacking, since I still need to wear the clothes I'm taking) and working my magic on the bags!
33 days until I leave for staging!!!!
The good news is that I think I won't have a problem with not having room for everything I want to take. The backpack I got (thanks mom!) has lots of room plus a daypack that attaches to the front with even more room. I thought about taking only that until I realized that my pillow would never fit and no way and I'm going to not take my pillow. Yes, I'm spoiled, but I also know that I sleep better with my contoured foam pillow under my head. And given the amount of stress I'm already experiencing, I need my sleep! SO the pillow is going. This means I'm also taking my small (carry-on size) suitcase. My pillow, two pairs of shoes, camera and hopefully the laptop will fit in that.
I can see you all squirming about that "l" word. Yes, I'm taking a laptop. It's recommended highly by current PCV's (that's Peace Corps Volunteers). As a teacher, it will be helpful to write assignment and track grades. I can charge it at school and then bring it home. The plus side is it also means I'll be able to watch DVD's!! And you all know how happy that makes me.
So, I'm packing (and unpacking, since I still need to wear the clothes I'm taking) and working my magic on the bags!
33 days until I leave for staging!!!!
October 3, 2006
ups and downs...
Okay, the record is now two days of crying, 0 days tears free.
Usually, when I get weepy, I have a good reason. But this week, I'm just bursting into tears at random. My supervisor said it has to be the stress and I'm inclined to agree. I'm really excited but also overwhelmed at all I have to do. Thankfully, I am a great multi-tasker and I'm getting things done.
On the docket this week is to pack up most of my room, donate a bunch of stuff to Goodwill (I've sorted almost all my clothes and given them away or will donate them), inventory my movie collection (thankfully, I just have to update it, but it will take a few hours to make sure I have everything!) and then move the movie collection. This weekend I may try to take Pippin to his new home.
So, no one has commented about what books they would take. Come on, it's not that hard! Read the post below about books and let me know your three choices. I'll tell you what I decide next week!
Stay tuned, the adventure is just beginning!
Usually, when I get weepy, I have a good reason. But this week, I'm just bursting into tears at random. My supervisor said it has to be the stress and I'm inclined to agree. I'm really excited but also overwhelmed at all I have to do. Thankfully, I am a great multi-tasker and I'm getting things done.
On the docket this week is to pack up most of my room, donate a bunch of stuff to Goodwill (I've sorted almost all my clothes and given them away or will donate them), inventory my movie collection (thankfully, I just have to update it, but it will take a few hours to make sure I have everything!) and then move the movie collection. This weekend I may try to take Pippin to his new home.
So, no one has commented about what books they would take. Come on, it's not that hard! Read the post below about books and let me know your three choices. I'll tell you what I decide next week!
Stay tuned, the adventure is just beginning!
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