Less Than A Month To Go

Today is June 26th, which means that one month from today I will be arriving in Johannesburg. Ahhhh! My flight is scheduled to leave Boston at 6am on Monday the 25th. Just under 30 hours later, I will begin my new life in South Africa.
I am in Martha's Vineyard right now with Katie G, Rich, and Danielle. I am having a wonderful time relaxing and hanging out in my comfort zone - with friends, on the water, and surrounded by things I know. Thinking about the fact that I will be in a whole new world in less than one month makes me very anxious. I am excited, and I am looking forward to what is to come, but the anticipation is giving me lots to think about. In some ways I want this month to fly by so I can just begin this journey, but in the same breath, I want each and every one of the next 29 days to crawl - allowing me to savor every bit of my comfort and familiar ways. In the end, whether time flies or crawls, I know this is the right decision, and I know I will be a better person because of it.

New Computer

In addition to the face wash, toothpaste, perfumes, and eye makeup that I have purchased in preparation for life in South Africa, I added a new MacBook Pro to the list today! This computer represents my connection to home while I'm away. This computer will make the nearly 8,000 miles separating me and my old life only a simple click of the mouse away! It may sound silly, but this computer makes the craziness that is changing my life ... do-able!

Leave Of Absence

Thanks to the support and persistence of my principal and friend Jim, I was given an opportunity to present to the school board last night with the hopes of being granted an unpaid sabbatical. The idea behind this is to take it one year at a time. I would take an unpaid sabbatical next year, and then have the opportunity to request an additional unpaid, year-long sabbatical the following year. Although I was shaking like a leaf in fall, I presented a powerpoint presentation - complete with a video of some of my students sharing their perceptions of South Africa. The response was completely positive, and after very little deliberation, the school board voted unanimously to approve my sabbatical for next year. At the risk of jinxing things, I got the impression they would be in support for a second year as well when the time comes! Although I fully intend to see my 2 year contract through, it is a relief to take such an incredible leap with a safety net in place should I fall! I owe endless thanks to Jim for going out on a limb for me and believing in my value to the East Kingston school so much that he would work so hard to keep my job!

I ACCEPT

It was the craziest decision I have ever made. I'd love to say it followed lengthy deliberation, but I'd be lying. I knew going abroad to teach was what I wanted, and I knew I was looking for an adventure, but I never imagined I'd find it in South Africa! At about 11am on Sunday, February 6th, I signed my contract with the American International School of Johannesburg! Life in South Africa begins on July 26th!

AHHHhhhh.....