Two weeks ago I received my official welcome letters from the Board of Directors, School Director, School Principal, and representatives from the faculty and staff of CIPLC in Venezuela-along with three pages of lists of things to gather, buy and do! Oh, don't get me wrong, it is exciting meeting my new co-workers via facebook and phone calls. And my Ipod is expanding it's repetoire with singers and groups such as La Factoria, Angel y Kris, Tambor Urbano and about 25 others. Plus, I have learned about fun events and theme days at school that I need to plan for such as the Western Chilli Cook off, Halloween Costume Carnival, wedding of Q and U, and spirit days (colors- green and white; mascot-GECKO)...along with great celebrations held in the community like Carnival (complete with a huge water fight that takes place on a bay full of boats with the help of plenty of rum!)
So, what are on these all-important lists? Since they were compiled by the director for purposes of contracts and visas as well as by staff members who brought too much, too little or just plain the wrong stuff...they are quite exhaustive. Here is a taste of what I am up against:
Official stuff-make sure bank account will accept wire transfers, 30 passport photos, 2 profile photos of right side of face, 3 photocopies of entire passport, 2 page resume with my permanent address in US (and WHERE would that be I'm wondering?), 2 originals of all diplomas, 2 originals of all teaching certificates, 2 originals of all transcripts, 2 original birth certificates, 2 certificates of police clearance, complete physical including chest x-ray (2 copies), international driver's license
Important stuff to buy and bring-extension cords for the generator during power outages or a portable power pack, rechargable battery safety lights for same, 5 surge protectors, flashlights with rechargable batteries and charger, sport watch, battery powered alarm clock, wireless router, plug adapter pieces, SKYPE phone, computer battery backup, unlocked cell phone with US SIM card with minutes on it, assorted kitchen items like can opener and collendar, various linens like beach towels and good blankets, cloth grocery bags
Just Stuff to fit in the remaining duffle bags-roller blades, wet suit, peanut butter, games, baseball caps, sunblock, mask/snorkel/fins, rash guards, oven mits, spices, yoga mat, jacket, rainwear, umbrella, jeans, US stamps, holiday decor, home decor, shoes (sandals, heels, athletic shoes), school clothes, play clothes, swim suits, hangars, cooler bag, assorted medicines like motion sickness meds and cold meds, various toiletries like make up and deodorant, hair accessories, DVD player, important books, computer, camera, ipod
...you get the picture. So, now that I am buying, begging, borrowing the above items along with mentoring Clark through the college scholarship labyrinth, coaxing Tori to conquer her senioritis, boxing up and storing my own life, guiding my students to the end of their year, tricking my old brain into learning spanish, studying for 3 more certification exams, and, and, and....I AM EXCITED!! As I tackle each task, I cannot help but think of the phrase Tori used to repeat ad nauseum when she was 2 and wanted to do it all..."me do it me-self"....yep...I SURE AM!!!
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