For the past couple weeks I have been in Eugene relaxing and enjoying my favorite things: cooking, swimming, bike riding, being with family and friends and of course, watching the Olympics. I’ve seen Olympic heroes rise and fall in this 30th Olympiad and have been brought to tears many times by the US Swim Team. Oh how badly I miss competition. The nerves, the excitement, the camaraderie. Which actually, is pretty close to how I feel about my upcoming departure for Abu Dhabi.
Thanks to the various Facebook groups I’ve joined since being hired by ADEC, I have already “met” some of the fellow teachers I’ll be flying with from JFK. Currently it appears I’m the only teacher on my PDX to JFK flight. Hopefully I’ll have some people to hang out with during my long, long layover in JFK. We’ve already built a nice little Facebook support system. And it appears my Oregon friends I met back in April, will be at JFK too!
Along with all the fun I’ve been having, I’ve also had to do some serious re-evaluating of my luggage. I had really hoped to take only one checked bag, but realized that I’d brought way more than that with me to Eugene. Luckily, my sister was willing to take some time to help me sort through my stuff. And now, after two practice packs of my checked bag, I’m pretty sure I’m set to go.
I board my first plane at 7am on Wednesday, August 8.
From ojalá to insha'Allah 
Andrea, we have been at camp with kids. Just reading this now-trying to catch up. So excited for you!!! I know in my heart you will do WELL! We have so enjoyed reading your blog. I am wondering if you will get to see Aaron and Liz before you go- the timing will be tight. Big hugs to you- know you will be in our prayers.
Hi Thelma! Thank you. Just finished packing my stuff. I did get to see Aaron and Liz yesterday so that was great. I hope you enjoy your time with them!!
Thinking of you now! You’re likely still en-route. Can’t wait to hear all about it once your feet are on solid ground again. 🙂