Sunday, March 25, 2007

Two days until this trip begins... that seems unbelievable. After spending a difficult week grieving as a community for one of our students, I am certain that I am well behind in my packing, and I am just trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I will be leaving for this incredible trip in less than 48 hours. I am excited for the opportunity to explore new lands but hestitant about leaving my students, friends and family behind.

The good news is that I have figured out how to operate my new camera and laptop, which are both necessary components for operating my blog while overseas. I keep updating my list of "things to do before I leave", and each time I cross something off the list, I remember one more thing to put on the list!

Today, my daughter helped me to prepare the gift bags that I will deliver to each school I visit. Each school will receive a picture book about New Hampshire, a NH bumper sticker, a NH magnet, several NH pins donated by the Lion's Club and handfuls of NH postcards with messages from our seventh graders here at AMS.

Students and community members are beginning to visit my blog regularly and the Nashua Telegraph even contacted me today saying that they would like to run a piece on my travels when I return! In class on Monday, I will be randomly picking names of students on my team who I will send postcards to while I travel. They can bring in the postcards to school to share with their classmates.

Aramco Services, the company who is sponsoring this trip, has done an incredible job providing each of us teachers across the US with materials, itineraries and mentor contacts so that we can prepare for this adventure. I encourage everyone to continue to visit this site and post their comments. I look forward to seeing the Middle East with all of you!