As I relax in Alberta, waiting for that last immunization and making final preparations for the first step of my adventure, I am overwhelmed with how much I am leaving behind and how much it all means to me. That alone has made all of this worthwhile. The old cliche is apparent once again — that its not until we don’t have it anymore when we realise how abundant our life is.
Thank you to Kevin, my mentor in blogging. Without him, this wouldn’t be here. His generous offer of one lesson in “How to Make a Rock ‘n Roll Travel Blog (or, A New Trick for an Old Dog)” is how I am here! Thanks, Kev…. Really! Kevin’s blog is linked to my page called The Long Road… (check it out!) it’s the name I wanted for my blog too — but Kevin said NO! ha ha
My first week off started with spending a most wonderful day with Dylan. He took me four-wheel driving… although in his truck we hardly used the four-wheel drive even though we were pretty out there in the deep ruts and back roads of Robins Range, from Barnhartvale to Nicola Valley. It was a great day and so special to have time with Dylan before saying ‘see you later’ to him.
I’m making final preparations and purchases before leaving and am excited about my new camera! I chose a Canon Powershot SX20 IS – a bridge camera perfect for what I am into for now. After listening to Darwin Wiggett’s lecture on digital photography and checking out his website, learning the basics of photography lingo, playing with friends’ cameras – I’m ready! Stay posted for pics – I will have links on here to my web album over time.
I have been in contact with Volunthai – a Thai organized company which places volunteers in schools to teach English in the poorer part of Thailand (northeast). I have decided to spend the month of December doing that and will be working with 11-18 yr olds who’s English is at our equivalent of Grade 1 level. My job will be to teach Conversational English only. The teachers at the school do the reading and writing. I’m currently preparing music CD’s, games, books, and photos to take. I will stay with a host family, most likely a teacher from the school. I’m hoping to get my hands on a guitar there, too.
I’m missing my job and the people I grew accustomed to saying good morning to 5 days a week. As well, I miss my home. This is invaluable to know and is all part of my journey. It’s the mundane and the spinning of the wheel that leads me out there and then, most likely, brings me back home.
Over and out, for now.
Gill xo
