There aren't enough words to express...

...my thanks! It's the eve of my departure, and my 'mood' is 'thankful and blessed.'

The dream that that has taking shape for some time is about to begin, and it's due in large part to the encouragement and support of all you dear family, friends, and colleagues! I am so privileged to carry the seeds of what you've sown in my life and plant them half a world away, and look forward to updating you as they begin to take root!

The next entry will most likely be from the flip side. Until then, have a great rest of your week!

Below: Some of the crew who came out for the farewell shindig the ladies from my church small group graciously threw for me.

A note to "blog followers" of different faith backgrounds

So you may have noticed that I tend to mention God a lot in this blog. I just can't help it! Everything I am and do is inextricably wrapped up in my faith in Him. I hope you don't mind that the experiences I document will be filtered through this lens. I definitely welcome questions about this, or comments from different perspectives.

Getting Ready for D-day: 9/24

Hi all,
I hope that you've had an enjoyable summer! Well, the last month has been a whirlwind of preparations, but it's now official...I booked my ticket! I depart on September 24 for Entebbe, Uganda (via Amsterdam and Nairobi). Here's a little update about what I've been up to in the meantime:

Getting mentally ready
The last couple months have been a time of major reflection as I get ready for this transition. That first Monday after my last day of work on Aug 1, I had a little bout of anxiety, a sudden "what in the world am I doing?!?" moment. It's been helpful to remember that this trip to Uganda is just one step, the next step. I don't know what the longer term future will bring, but I do know that I need to go, and learn, and do well with the task in front of me right now.

The big yard sale!
It's been great to have some extra time to take care of all the details involved with moving overseas for several months. One of the more interesting experiences I've had was holding my very first yard sale!

Though I posted about the yard sale on a few online bulletin boards, I was afraid nobody would show up, so I was up at 7:00am that Saturday to post my colorful signs all around the neighborhood. I needn't have worried...people were already swooping in like vultures by 7:30, two hours before my start time.

It's a weird thing to have a bunch of random strangers picking through things that were so recently of great value to you, and arguing over whether they're worth $0.50 or just $0.25! I learned a lot about human behavior through the experience, and also realized that I am not nearly the minimalist I thought I was. Besides what I sold, I brought bags and bags of stuff to the Salvation Army!

Quality time with fam and friends
As August marched on, I headed to DC via the good old Chinatown bus (Chinatown to Chinatown to Chinatown! Boston/New York/DC). While there, I was able to visit with a bunch of great friends and procure my visa- I got a little thrill walking into the Uganda Embassy!

Then, last Thursday I packed all my remaining stuff into "Big Red" (my '98 Chevy), and headed due west to spend some time with my family back in Rochester. We've had a great time hanging out together, and competing in everything from volleyball to to guitar hero! We've also done some 'staycationing', enjoying the great sites Rochester has to offer, including a little cruise on the Erie Canal, and a dip in the 'pristine' waters of Lake Ontario (left).

While here, I also sorted through all the 'Tammie' boxes that still reside in the rafters at my parents' house. It's been kind of cool looking back over pictures and keepsakes that represent all the major benchmarks of my life so far, and reflecting on who I am, where I've come from, and how God has led me to where I now stand!

Final prep
I'll return to Boston next week to take care of some last preparations before heading out later this month. More to follow as the time draws closer...

Much love,
Tammie