Sunday, June 15, 2008

I'm outta here!!!

I'm leaving tomorrow to the "other side", or should I say my second home, ZAMBIA!!! I have such mixed emotions about the whole thing. I'm so excited to see my little ones in Zambia...



but so sad to leave my little ones here...


I'm going to be in Africa for two months, okay... just seven weeks but when I say "two months" it sounds so much cooler. I'll be working for an organization called http://www.motherswithoutborders.org/. My main purpose/goal this summer will be to assess the kids at the Children's Resource Center to see what level they're at for reading/writing/math, and then I'll tutor them the rest of the time. I can't think of a better way to spend my summer than in the dirt, doing math, with my beautiful dark skinned morsels. I'm already excited for Heidi and my roommate to join me out there in July.
We've had quite the "farewell" weekend. Mostly, my sisters are excited to get rid of me so they don't have to keep having farewell parties for me. My last day of teaching and school was on Thursday. What a relief to be done. On Friday we started the weekend off with a trip to Dairy Queen to celebrate the last day of school for Connor and Abbie (pictures above). Steph and I did some shopping a little later to get all my supplies for the trip. Thanks for enduring that with me Steph.
The following morning, Heidi and I ran the Helvetia Half-Marathon. Boy did it feel good. I can only say that now because it's over. If you'd have talked to me at mile 10 it would have been a whole different story. Both Heid and I set some new PR's. It was a great race and I'm glad it's over. :)

After the race we headed over to Claim Jumper's for some delicious dessert. Unfortunately, Heidi missed out on the yummy dessert. She fell asleep and woke up a little later than planned. When she did finally get up she was in a state of delerium and in no position to drive. Drinking her contact solution may have added to her delerious state. Steph, Jake, the kids, and I enjoyed some good food.

After Claim Jumpers I ran a few errands and then the lot of us went to the Dollar Store to pick out a few toys for the kids in Zambia. The shopping trip ended with a whole lot of tears...hence the reason there are no pictures.
The rest of the night was spent playing leggos, opening a present for Emily's b-day, putting together puzzles, singing songs, Cities and Knights, eating treats, and loving life with the fam. Sure am going to miss you all.



I'm hoping to be able to update my blog about once a week while I'm gone. I probably won't be able to post any pictures until I get home but I'll have lots of stories to tell.

8 comments:

Heidi said...

Did you have to publish the fact that I drank the contact solution?! I loved having an excuse to celebrate all weekend long-even if I didn't make it to every celebration. You will be very missed while in Zambia but we are happy to share you with our Zambia friends. Can't wait to meet them in just a few short weeks!!!!!

Christy Wheeler said...

Heather! I am excited about checking out your blog and hearing all your fun stories while you are away. This is going to be such an amazing experience for you; I can't wait to see how much you love it. Oh and by the way, you are looking good! Nice pictures!

Stace said...

WOw! Can't wait to hear what your next post will be. Be safe. And hug all those Zambians for me. I want ALL your pictures and stories when you return.

Stephanie said...

I miss you already!

brenda said...

Do you know how we've all been WAITING IMPATIENTLY for you to join the blogging world??? I'm so happy.

You'll be missed this summer, but you'll be loved from afar and treasured where you're at. Thanks for serving the children of your world. They are so blessed to have you.

Can't wait to see your future posts!

Brenna said...

Yeah Heather!!! I'm so happy to see more posts. I'm excited your off to Africa. You'll have a great time, and make so many people so happy to know you... yes!

Great job on the half marathon... your looking super sexy my dear! Your so tough... that's what I love about you!

I'll just keep on missing you here in good ol' Utah.

TJ's Big Adventures said...

Oh heather. I am seriously crying because I am so happy to see your face. When you get back I want to figure out a time I can visit! I miss you way to much. I love you!! Can't wait to read your stories.

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited that you're having another African adventure! I'm sending your backpacks with Jackie. Kiss those beautiful babies for me!