From Paris With Love

In high school I took French for four years in the hopes and dreams of traveling to Paris, France and immersing myself in the cultural. Well, it didn't happen, but I kept dreaming and reading about that wonderful place. Fast forward to the future and I finally achieved that special goal by visiting that magical place twice so far in the winter and spring. Now I need to return in the summer.

Home for the Holidays!

Being around people who know you and love you regardless is a wonderful feeling.

Color Run

I have participated in two Color Runs in my life. I had to stop because the soot was getting in my eyes, nose, and mouth, causing respiratory problems. They are exciting and fun.

Egypt is history!

I have dreamed and read about Egypt for many years. When I finally got the opportunity to visit, I jumped at it. To go and see the ancient ruins, the pyramids, and the Spinzk, took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes at the history surrounding this wonder country.

Even though Egypt is a war torn, dirty, garbage filled streets, with poor people everywhere, the potential is there for a better country, a great country. The future and the people deserve it, there is beauty and history to preserve.

Just Go!

Being grown is supposed to be able to do whatever you want to do. Wrong! Being grown means you have to prioritize your life. I used to dream and read about traveling to different countries around the world and always had a reason or excuse why I couldn't go anywhere. Then I realized that having a job, family responsibilities, lack of funds, or no one to go with me were just excuses. So I began to focus, save, and create my travel goal list. And bit by bit, city by city, state by state, country by country. and continent bu  continent, , I began to bring my dreams to fruition. Starting small and locally, I traveled by bus, train, and plane domestically. Then abroad. Don't think long and hard about it. You deserve to see the world. We all do! So plan, save, and execute! Travel! Just Do It!

Great minds think alike

On our first meet up there were so many people that came; some who were single, others with children and lots of couples.

What a time we had. Meeting for the first time or reconnecting from previous meeting, laughing, talking and learning more about one another other than what we knew from the internet.

We took pictures, exchanged info,

and became closer.

That day and beyond we became a family.

Some of us are going for the same reasons; new experiences, change of scenery, finances, travel, learning a new language, and teaching and helping others. Then there are some with different reasons not mentioned.

 As we prepare to move across the waters and into the sandbox, I know we will work together to help, support and encourage one another through our new experiences.

Packed and waiting

Packed and waiting. It is hard to do since no one actually knows when we will receive the "Golden ticket" with our ticket, visa, and date to travel.

I am happy and excited for the people who have received the great news with their departure dates.

It means my turn could eventually follow.

We have begun playing the guessing game as to whom could be next. At one point we picked a specific date for when we think we will depart. I chose August 9. But they have started sending out departure flights as early as the 28th of this month.

We are even  trying to figure out the pattern in which people have been selected to receive their ticket.

We have come to the conclusion that there is no rhyme or reason on how people are being selected to start this new journey across the waters.

I will be over the top when I receive my special email from the travel agency to depart to my new job and country.

But for now I am packing and waiting.

My Journey Is For Me

Since I have started this journey, I have found many naysayers who question my sanity, ask redundant questions after I have answered them or do not believe me when I say I am going to be working and living in another country.

To combat  negative comments, I have started ignoring them, begin a new conversation, or get quiet.

My journey is only for me. I can not worry about others and what they think of me and my new destination.

I continue to have faith and give thanks to God for blessing me with this opportunity.

The process continues to my new journey.

Will Work For Travel

When I finally decided I was ready mentally, physically, and spiritually to move forward in my life, I decided to step outside of the box and apply for a teaching position out of the country.

I love to travel and I love teaching. So why not combine the two and experience new places, cultures, and people?

With my decison made, I Google  some things and found many recruiting companies that helped educators find jobs abroad.

After selecting one, I filled out a profile, uploaded my resume, pic and certificate, and got my references. I was emailed within 24 hours and moved forward. I had a phone interview and then begin the process of getting the necessary documents together.

Ther were some delays and setbacks and I continued to look for employment in the USA-(GA and AZ).

Finally, I received an email and phone call about attending an in person interview to be held in three locations. I wanted to be first and chose NY., there was Chicago, IL and Houston, TX.

Getting there took some doing, but with faith, prayer and a good friend in my corner, I made it there safely. Another friend helped me out by talking to me and encouraging me as well.

The interview was by Skype. I was shocked and surprised.
Oh well. I made the best of it and held my tongue. I answer d the questions to the best of my ability.

I met some new people and felt good about everything. I got to walk around in Times Square, ate pizza and rode the subway and bus.

Heading back to airport and made it home by midnight.
I felt drained ad if I had been on a rollercoaster ride. I slept hard and the next day my offer letter was in my inbox.

 I gave thanks to God and let two people know what had occurred.

Now it was time to move forward with the authentication process. It was six steps to completion and I finished it within 6 weeks.

I started telling some of my friends and family.

Now I  am

waiting for my email with my golden ticket confirming my departure date and time.

They say it can be anywhere from August until October.

Apparently there is no rhyme or reason how one is selected to be in the first group to depart for the sandbox.

Praying and waiting.

So excited!

I am so excited! Still packing and purging to be ready for my new adventure in the sandbox.

I will hopefully hear something in the beginning of August.

I will be blogging about my process to my new journey.