Make it snappy

This afternoon we went to go get some 2"x 2" sized photographs taken in order to apply for our visas. We were happy that it only cost 16 dollars total for each of our two pics at Walgreens, vs. the 18 dollars it cost for Mike's passport pictures at the MN dept. of motor vehicles. We were in and out in about 10 minutes tops. Unfortunately, when we got home, I realized that my pictures need my ears to be showing, according to the visa application... so I had to get new pictures taken because my hair was in the way; oops, another $8. We went to a different Walgreens this evening and it took over 45 minutes. Their sign says "Passport pictures ready in minutes." I'd like to know what "minutes" really means. I suppose the worker's interpretation of the word "minutes" is different from mine; I guess it's all relative?! Anyway, at least we are golden to send off our applications to the Thai Embassy in Chicago now. Pray that everything would go smoothly and that our visas would get processed quickly.

True American

As we've slowly gone through a few things and started packing up select items in our apartment/classroom, I realized how we are big pack rats... or should we say materialistic?! UG! I feel like such a typical American! It will be nice to simplify our lives by packing up our next two years into four suitcases and maybe a box or two to ship later.

Yesterday I went through five office depot sized boxes of Spanish files and condensed it down to two. It felt so good to be able to recycle so many things that I know I won't/don't need. I probably don't even need half of the things I kept anyway since I don't intend to teach elementary again... but I'm reluctant to give those files up and sell/give away those elementary resources JUST IN CASE.

Anyways, simplicity is amazing.

I'm leavin' on a jet plane...

Well, I finally was able to get a hold of our contact person at the travel agency. He sure was a slippery fellow to get a hold of! Our flight itinerary hasn't been printed out yet, but from what he told me today, we will be going from Minneapolis to Chicago to Tokyo to Bangkok. I'm already not looking forward to the long flights and the three different landings. Landing is the worst for me because I usually get sick to my stomach. Cheers to dramamine. :)

Kisses

Yesterday was Memorial Day. We really have never done too much on this day, except spend it having a BBQ with friends and family. I saw these other pictures from another blog and thought it appropriate to link you to see them: click here to see these pictures.

Picture four affected me the most in that those two men fought in the Korean War. I remember going to Memorial Day parades when I was really little and when they would announce that a specific group of people walking in the parade fought in the Korean War, I would blow kisses to all of them. Somehow I just felt like I was connected to them, even for just a brief moment, simply because I could potentially not be here today if they had not fought?! Isn't it odd to think of how life could simply go one way or another and you could possibly not be in existence? Amazing.

Praise God for those soldiers that have defended, fought, [and died] for the principles of freedom, liberty and justice. Thank you.

Friends

I always wonder how you make a friend. It just sort of -POOF- happens and neither person really remembers how it started. I'm thankful for friends and how they encourage, admonish, lift up and love you through thick and thin. We have been blessed with dear friends. We are so thankful for their friendships and their support these over the years. It certainly will be hard to leave, knowing that we won't be able to spend time and fellowship with them for at least the next two years...

However, we know that God has some amazing plans for us and that he is going to raise up and provide new friendships, a new church family and a new support system in Thailand. I think that the process of moving [to another country] can really stir up a lot of fears, yet God has calmed so many of my fears by quietly whispering, "Don't worry. Just trust me." So I have, and he has provided such peace.

And in the meantime, he has -POOF- provided a new friend; he knew what my heart needed. I have been e-mailing back and forth with KM, the teacher who previously sent me an e-mail about running a 10K or 1/2 marathon. We have many common interests and have enjoyed corresponding. It's comforting to know that there's a friend waiting for me on the other side of the world when I get there. God is good at making the world feel small by simply connecting us by the same faith.

Letters

Last night was TLO's last concert of the year. The band played, the choirs sang and the hand bells rang. The concert ended with Michael W. Smith's song, Friends, as a slide show of pictures of Linda, Mike and me were shown. It was so fun to see how we all had changed through our time at TLO-- both students and staff alike. Mike and I were presented with notes from all of our students that were part of a scrapbook that a parent put together for us. We're looking forward to seeing the scrapbook; it certainly will be a treasure!

We read through some of the notes after the concert... some were flat out funny, others were simply great memories/favorite moments, some were simple thank yous, but one in particular made me cry. It was the most heartfelt note to both Mike and me from the most unexpected student. To have a student that puts up barriers and acts tough write you such a touching note is simply priceless and makes teaching worth it.

Funniest one yet: A kindergardener wrote about me... "That woman is awesome." If only you could understand what kind of child he is; his comment just fits and it's stinkin' hilarious. Besides, what kindergardener refers to others as woman? I mean seriously... how about teacher, person or girl?!

Step by step

Another praise! Our visa package arrived safely in the mail! Now we just have to fill out an application, pay a fee, send our passports to Chicago, and let the Thai Consulate take care of the rest. Pray that our visas will be approved quickly and safely sent back to us in the mail.

A sigh of relief

What a relief!! Mike got his Virginia license in the mail today. We were hoping that everything would go through without a hitch, but you just never know though with the department of ed! He sent his application and hours to the state in April and we were hoping to receive his new license by the end of May or early June; I can hardly believe how quickly it was processed. [SIGH] :)

Newbies

The other day someone asked my how many new teachers will be joining the ICS teaching team with us. There are more of us than I thought! I don't know how many of the couples are teaching couples, but there are at least 14 new teachers for the 2009-2010 school year. This seems like a significant amount, but with such a large and growing school, it is actually quite minimal. Aside from that, teachers only have to commit for two years, so there is constant changeover. Though, from what I understand, many of the teachers have been there for numerous years... there are some teachers that have been there for 12-14 years! So needless to say, we are thankful that both of our positions opened up simultaneously.

A slice of heaven

In lieu of trying new things... I baked my first pie--strawberry rhubarb to be exact. Quite frankly, I was a bit apprehensive to do so, because I knew that if I ever made a pie, I would probably want to make a homemade crust. After all, the crust is the whole reason that I even eat pie. However, the thought of making my own crust was scary to me, so I debated with myself in the grocery store as I eyed the pre-made crusts in the aisle. But the thought of a sweet, delectable, fall apart in your mouth, buttery crust was too much for this little heart to handle though, so I did make my own. And it turned out amazing. I would definitely make another one in the near future (or at least when I work off all the calories from eating a few slices from the first pie). YUM!