quince dias

Hola tod@s!!

As the title of this post indicates, I've got 15 days that stand between me and a flight out of Norfolk. I have lots of updates to post regarding my work site and final days before beginning this journey! As I aspire to be as quippy as the authors of buzzfeed list-icles here's a list of 6 things that will fill the coming 15 days!

UNO: Lists-Yes, I am starting this list by listing lists. I'm writing and reading and rewriting and rereading so many lists: Packing lists, lists of grad programs/application information, lists of people I need to see/chat with, book lists, lists on lists on lists. All of the lists are leaving me almost listless ;)

DOS: Appointments-much of what is dominating the to-do side of those lists is running all over Hampton Roads cramming a year's worth of appointments into two weeks. Maybe by the time I leave, I'll actually have made it to a few of them on time.

TRES: Backpacks-I recently invested in a new pack (and became an REI member #winwin #finally). As such, I've come to terms with the fact that I'm gonna be that person walking to check-in for my flight with a backpack on my back, front and side. #teambackpack

CUATRO: Children-Kiddos are on the brain! Having just left 8 weeks full of Lutheridge children, I get a brief break from little ones before I start my work in Mexico. The work assignment I have received is work with an ecologically minded elementary school called Instituto de Educación Integral Magdalena Cervantes (IEIMC) in Tlaxco, Tlaxcala.  IEIMC is closely affiliated with Proyecto San Isidro http://www.proyectosanisidro.com/ where I may also might lend a hand from time to time.  IEIMC is committed to sustainable environmental practices. At IEIMC, I'll assist kids with tutoring in English or perhaps math, join kids when they work in the garden, or when they do physical activity and go for a hike. Knowing that I'll be able to work with children in an outdoor setting (sounds oddly familiar...) in this coming year has calmed much of my nervousness. 

CINCO: Google Maps-I find myself regularly looking at google maps zooming in and in and in trying to begin to try to center myself in Tlaxco. I can't wait to see it in person in just a few weeks!!

SEIS: Goodbyes- I'd be kidding myself if I didn't list this as paramount to the next 15 days. While there are some tough ones to come (aka hugging the madre at the airport #waterworks)... I'll hold fast to the pattern of my life that shows that the experiences that began with tough goodbyes (college, camp, study abroad) were of the most meaningful in my life. I'm confident that YAGM will continue that pattern!

besos y abrazos,
Alyssa