22 days

This is my first foray into the realm of blogging. It seemed sensible, though, to send the link out to family and friends before I am caught up in the rush that will be my first few weeks in Ho Chi Minh City. Feel free to check in on me and my adventures as I teach and travel in Southeast Asia.

I just recently returned from a lovely 10 day trip to visit my brother, David, in B.C. We swam in frigid waterfalls, hiked and picnicked, spent great amounts of time at the beach, enjoyed excellent live music, had a bonfire, and visited with friends. I spent my days wandering Vancouver, visiting the art gallery, aquarium, UBC, Stanley Park, etc. The city is beautiful, and the company was even better. Thanks so much to Dave and Courtney for being such impeccable hosts.

Now that I have returned, I am hit full force by the fact that I am moving to the other side of the globe in a few short weeks. I am grappling with my goodbyes--constantly realizing several "lasts." Tonight was my last shift at Southridge Shelter, where I have been volunteering for 4 years. Although I am ready for a new stage of my life, it is harder than I imagined it would be to say goodbye to the people and places that make up my world. This past July 1st was the "last" Canada Day I will spend in this country for some time. I teared up as I sang our anthem: "Oh Canada. You ARE my home and native land!" This little incident demonstrates that although I am moving to Vietnam, I am still a sappy, patriotic loser.

The next post will come upon my arrival in Vietnam!

Much love.