Friday, September 29, 2006
Ready, Set, Go
Passport, "Check"
Visa, "Check"
Plane Tickets, "Check"
Okay, the essentials are ready. Suitcases are mostly packed. I'm taking two checked bags and two carry-on bags. Trying to pare down and keep the weight manageable.
I have set up a Skype account where I can talk through my computer to anyone who also has a Skype account for free. So if you have Skype account or want to set one up -- We can talk!! You also will need a microphone for your computer.
Bob will drive me up to the airport on Wednesday, October 4th. I am going to Beijing via Tokyo on American Airlines and Japan Air.
Still have to say some goodbyes and visit with some friends. And we have a big wedding on Saturday.
Up, Up and Away!!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
How It Started
One night while Bob and I were out for dinner, he asked me if I liked being retired. I told him that for the most part I did, but occasionally I got a little restless. So he asked my what my dream was.
One of my dreams has always been to join the Peace Corps. However, I knew that was a lengthy commitment which I felt unable to make. I also had looked into various volunteer jobs overseas but most of them required a long commitment and/or a substantial monetary investment in travel and lodging. Bob felt I should still pursue my dream.
In Spring of 2006, I received a newsletter from the North American Fellowship of YMCA Retirees seeking to recruit volunteers to teach English in China and the commitment was for only six months. In addition, the YMCA would provide travel expenses, lodging and a living stipend. This, I thought, was something I could manage to do. I talked it over with Bob and, with his encouragement, I applied right away. About a month later, I was accepted into the program and started the process of obtaining a visa. A few weeks later, I obtained my plane tickets. Now all I had to do was pack and get on a plane.
Will I miss Bob -- you bet! But Bob's coming to Beijing in February.
Will I miss my children and grandchildren -- it goes without saying.
Will I miss California -- well, the weather and golf mostly and, of course, my friends!
In this blog I hope to keep my family and friends up-to-date as to what's happening in Beijing.
Please, as you read this, I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Also if you don't wish to be included in my mailing list, please let me know.
One of my dreams has always been to join the Peace Corps. However, I knew that was a lengthy commitment which I felt unable to make. I also had looked into various volunteer jobs overseas but most of them required a long commitment and/or a substantial monetary investment in travel and lodging. Bob felt I should still pursue my dream.
In Spring of 2006, I received a newsletter from the North American Fellowship of YMCA Retirees seeking to recruit volunteers to teach English in China and the commitment was for only six months. In addition, the YMCA would provide travel expenses, lodging and a living stipend. This, I thought, was something I could manage to do. I talked it over with Bob and, with his encouragement, I applied right away. About a month later, I was accepted into the program and started the process of obtaining a visa. A few weeks later, I obtained my plane tickets. Now all I had to do was pack and get on a plane.
Will I miss Bob -- you bet! But Bob's coming to Beijing in February.
Will I miss my children and grandchildren -- it goes without saying.
Will I miss California -- well, the weather and golf mostly and, of course, my friends!
In this blog I hope to keep my family and friends up-to-date as to what's happening in Beijing.
Please, as you read this, I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Also if you don't wish to be included in my mailing list, please let me know.
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