5 days until I leave....this thought definitely feels surreal. I think the people around me are more aware of the fact than I am....especially my dog who has taken a habit of following me around the house and laying next to me in whatever room I end up in.
With the end in sight, I've begun packing my suitcases and I was shocked by how quickly they filled up. This is one of those times when I would love to have a bag like Mary Poppins. Apparently I own more clothes than I ever thought I did or else my suitcases shrunk as I packed. Oh well...I guess I am slightly glad that there is a weight limit because dragging these two suitcases through the airport will be less than pleasant. A part of me thinks that if someone robbed me of one... I would chase after him saying... "Take the other one...it's heavier."
I fly to Jarabacoa (good luck pronouncing it) on Sunday and actually begin teacher service days on Monday. I'm looking forward to beginning work right away...since twiddling my thumbs in a far off country sounds less than appealing. School begins the 17th and I will be teaching fourth grade to 15-20 students. Luckily for both them and myself, I will be teaching completely in English. The apartment where I will be staying is very close to the school campus and I will have a very short commute. I will be living with another American teacher and am very grateful for that.
I've really enjoyed the last couple of days and visiting with family and friends. I'm so thankful that we live in a world with email, internet and skype....so even though I cannot squish everyone into my suitcases... I can still bring them with me on my journey. I know there will be tears in the future, as goodbyes are never easy but I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me in the upcoming year.
