My Antiguan Adventure

So we are COMPLETELY down to the wire here. My bag is BEYOND full, and not everything is in it yet :S Really truly, how am I supposed to pack for a month in ONE bag. Sorry for all the shouting but I really don't know how I'm going to make it work.

I went on a shopping trip with my cousin Nicole this evening to the States. I was picking up lightweight polo tops that were on sale for $10 each!! In Canada, they were $17.50 {no kidding right!?}. After we headed to Target, man I love the store. There I loaded up on the little travel stuff (hand sanitizer, mini tums, wipes, etc) This trip is sure adding up to be a lot more then expected. I am very grateful that my parents are going to chip in for the food I still have to pack (how you might ask? I have yet to figure that out.

Enough about whining on bag limits, it is what is. The more critical matter is that I leave in three sleeps and one of them is like a 'half' sleep because it is already past 12am now as I write. I work the next two days, and have planned to go to a conference on Friday/Saturday (again, don't know what I was thinking). I am so excited. Mostly because I am finished school now. Graduated, like really truly graduated! Lots of little things to finish before I leave, like my taxes, PDP application, small things like that right? Hahahaha I better get to bed now, I have to make every day count now. Stay tuned, next post will most likely be from an exotic location (or a stuffy airport).

Luv, Jen

Well, today was the BIG packing day at school. All the donated supplies were collaborated and recorded. We had to make a master list of all the items we're bringing for the Antigen customs agency.

I was AMAZED by the amount of things that were donated. Lots of balls and school supplies. I cannot believe we are only 11 days away from leaving. I am really excited to go, just not quite ready for it yet.

Oh, I had a room change. I am now rooming with Kaitlyn and Chantal. I think it will be a good fit. Actually Kaitlyn graduated the same year as my sister Emily and ironically enough, wore the same grad dress. Small world eh?

So this is the team (minus my other proff. Greg Anderson) L-R, starting in the back row:
Kurt, Jen D., Jo(anna) the team leader and professor, Leticia, Sarah, Chantelle (new roomie), Alex, Selina, Lindsay, Kaitlyn (other new roomie), Alysha, Pam (teaching partner)
Front Row: Leah, Kelsey, Shelby (she went last year and is coming again this year to help out), myself, and Shelsey

I think we have a really great team and I can't wait to go!

If you want to follow what the team is doing, check out the other blog our team is writing. I'll have a few days to post on the site. It will be more generic and about the schools we're working with, as opposed to my personal opinions.

http://ufvchampions10.wordpress.com/

Well, most of you may know, but I don't typically pack in advance. I love to do that day before rush, grabbing anything and everything I could possibly need on my trip. The method has always worked before - never forgot anything too important.

This trip however feels different. I only have 19 days left till departure and I am almost 100% packed!! I still have some important things to add...like shampoo, underwear, hair elastics, food! lol But the suitcase has been out for nearly 2 weeks and I slowly keep adding to it. It makes me feel more prepared because on the inside I am screaming. I can't believe I am going away for so long. Gosh, I know it isn't that big of deal, I am 24 and should be quite fine living with two other roommates while I am away. It should be fine and I am sure, although I have packed this far in advance I am likely to still forget something!

For those of you who are 'out of the loop' I am heading to the island of Antigua in the Caribbean for a month. I will be gone May 1 - 31st and while there I will be teaching PE and health education. I am going with a team of 15 students from my school, University of the Fraser Valley and our fearless professors: Joanna and Greg - commonly referred to as Jo and Greg.

As of now, my teaching partner is Pam and we are at Jennings (that's the name of our school). I also have two roommates: Kurt and Lindsay.

If you think about it, I would love your prayer and support. Although this trip isn't a 'mission's trip' I am looking at it as an opportunity to be a witness to my classmates and the students I'll work with. I know that it will be difficult being away from my home and my church family back here in Langley. I know that God is all over the world and will be with me every inch of the way.

If you're reading this before May 1st and you have any schooling supplies or sporting goods that you have no more need of, please pass them onto me. We will be leaving as much schooling and sporting goods down there as possible.

Thanks so much!
Luv always,
Jen