Reflections

There is a strange, disgusting irony to watching "Hoarders: Buried Alive" on tv while sorting through and packing up your stuff to move. Which is something I've been doing now for about two weeks. Gradual packing is somewhat less stressful than trying to do it all within a 72 hour time period. However, it just feels like a constant ticking clock and the anticipation and anxiety just keep increasing.

Rather than spending this entry discussing the items I've decided to donate to Goodwill or the intensity of trying to obtain my Brazilian work visa (hope to hear any day now!), I wanted to write about my feelings as I prepare to migrate to a place I've never been.

Granted, I am leaving a lot behind here in Alabama. My parents would be at the top of that list. Except when traveling, I've never lived more than a couple hours away from them. Going somewhere that I might only see them in person a handful of times a year will be an adjustment for all of us. I'm giving up several "firsts" this summer. My first car. My first (non-college) apartment. My first classroom. My first (non-summer) job.

But what a lot of firsts I'll be gaining! First time in South America. First job in a foreign country. First apartment in an enormous city where I don't know the language. I cannot adequately express how excited I am. To combine a career goal of mine with my love of travel just seems too good to be true. I want a new setting. I want adventure. I want an experience of a lifetime.

To all the friends and family reading this: thank you. Thank you for your unfailing support. While leaving will not be easy, I am so touched by how positive and enthusiastic everyone has been, knowing I've been working toward this goal for several years.

I am hoping that this will serve as a means of communication for the next little while. While I'm unsure of upcoming internet speeds, time, etc., I hope to give some insight into my life as an ex-pat teacher in São Paulo. Next time you hear from me, I'll be south of the equator!