Sharing the News

So with only five days left before the big trip, I still have LOTS to do!  I started packing last night (finally!) after my best friend Adela and I did some clothes shopping...now I have even more tops to bring with me.  I took care of a lot of end-of-year school duties today...taking down some in-class bulletin boards, finishing up some projects with my students, making copies of summer work for next year's class, etc. 

Perhaps the most important thing I did today was share the news of my trip with my kids.  Although they knew I was going to Mexico for much of the summer, they didn't really know the details.  I told them I would be leaving on Sunday and that I wouldn't be in school for the last day on Monday.  They seemed a little disappointed, but were then excited to learn that I was keeping an online journal of my trip.  :-)   Here are some notes just for them:

These are some things I need to keep in mind while in Mexico...
*Take a picture of churros (for Steven)
*Take a picture of the fried grasshoppers and ant eggs (for everyone!)
*Check to see if the Gulf oil spill has reached the coast of Mexico (for Janelle)
*Look for Eliomar's grandma's house in one of the small towns (it has a big blue door)

As I get the final details in order - finish things in my classroom, pack my luggage, print out tons of documents, get my electronic equipment ready (laptop, cameras, Adela's camcorder), and prepare to say goodbye to so many people - I'm happy to say that I am thrilled that June 27th is almost here.  I am extremely excited for my trip south of the border.  I'm confident that this will be an extraordinary journey and one that I will benefit from in more ways than I can even imagine.  My next update will come to you live from Austin, Texas.  See ya'll soon!