Somehow I wanted to get my students excited about my trip to Japan. Therefore, I asked them each to create a scrapbook page about themselves. I distributed disposable cameras to individuals in my class and instructed them to take photos of their homes, family, and friends. They did a great job documenting life as they know it. I also helped my kids create a blog about Northview Middle School. If you are interested in reading what they put together, check this out: www.nvmsjapan.blogspot.com. Hopefully I will be able to find some Japan teenagers who would like to communicate with my students via email or "snail mail." If you are so inclined, I know my students would like to read comments from anyone who takes the time to read their blogs.

Today my students gave me a "going away" party. Mr. Powers, my aide, and my class brought in their favorite American junk food to share. They wrote me messages on the board and then we took these photos. It's hard to leave them for three weeks!

One week to go.....Today I practiced packing everything I need to take to Japan into my ONE suitcase. Casual clothes, professional clothes, outfits for cool days, outfits for warm days, and, of course, lots of presents! Amazingly I think it is all going to fit. Now I just hope I can manuever my 70 pound suitcase, my 15 pound backpack, and my 5 pound briefcase. (Did I mention five pairs of shoes?)

Here I am...sitting at a computer creating my very first blog. I leave for Japan in two weeks and have many projects to complete before I go. Creating this blog is one of those projects! Last spring I learned that I had been selected to travel to Japan with a group of 200 teachers from all over the United States through the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund teachers program. By accepting this award, I have agreed to write reports, read books, create projects, buy gifts for my host family, and pack everything I need for three weeks into just one suitcase! I leave on October 1st and want to make sure before I leave that I will be able to communicate with my family, friends, and students back home. Stay tuned!