Final Weekend!

I started packing yesterday; it was a brave start but I didn't get too far. I've never been someone who enjoys packing much. Usually I throw things together at the last minute! That won't really do for this trip because we'll be gone for quite a while. On the other hand, New Zealand does have stores!

So, where are we on this trip. Well, we had our last meeting on Friday and went over observation checksheets that we'll be using in the classes, as well as important things such as where and when we'll all be meeting on Wednesday. I also reminded everyone that bringing "raw" foods, plants, and wood into New Zealand is a huge no-no (I'm sure noone wants an instant fine for doing that!). It seems as if everyone has their finances sorted out with a healthy mix of cash, credit cards, and travellers' checks, so that is very good!

We have one school left to hear from as regards final arrangements, and as soon as we hear from them, Brittany will do the final updates to our schedule. If we don't hear from them, we'll call when we get into the country.

Jody and I met with Brittany, her parents, and Justin on Saturday afternoon. I had a really nice time getting to know them and am really impressed by the support they're giving Brittany. I think I should have adopted them myself earlier on in the trip planning! :-) Brittany's dad gave me some very useful information about cell phones, and I am now reorganizing what I was going to do along those lines.

I heard from my sister last night who is, of course, very excited about our visit. She told me the weather is nice an warm during the day (25 C) but a bit nippy in the morning. We discussed a few details, and pretty much concluded it's all done.

So now I need to get my classes completely up-to-date, making sure everyone knows what they're doing over the second half of the semester (you do, don't you?). I am looking forward to this international interaction, and I hope it turns out as useful and interesting as I imagine (and hope) it to be!