Friday, December 26, 2008

It's for Real

Not until tonight did it really hit me that I'm leaving home. When I packed up my apartment and moved everything home, it didn't hit me. I've been going through all those packed boxes to pull out what to pack for my trip to El Salvador, my room is littered with boxes and random items, it still didn't sink in. A bunch of my friends came over today and we spent the whole day playing games, catching up, laughing, and eating of course, and when they all got up to leave, it hit me.
Up to this point it has felt like Christmas break; I'm home, all my friends are home, we've gone snowshoeing, and my family opened gifts on Christmas Eve, just like Christmas break. This time, I'm not going back to Grand Rapids. I don't have a job there anymore. Everything I own is here. I'm going to Texas instead. Now I'm nervous.
Nonetheless, seeing all my friends from home today felt amazing! Thank you to all my friends, for supporting me, offering me assistance, praying for me, and loving me. It has meant the world and I am going to miss you all so much! I will do my best to stay in touch; I'll have this blog and now I have tons of stationary so I'll be writing home whole bunches.
I'm mostly packed for Texas. I booked the ticket to San Salvador for January 14th; 4 days should be enough time to pack for El Salvador when I get back from Texas. It will work. It will all work out in the end.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Time to Think

With all the running around getting paperwork together for this trip I haven't really taken the time to realize I'm leaving Grand Rapids in one week. Monday next week I'll be driving home to my parents house and from there the rest of my journey begins.

Sunday night I really began to think about it when my dad called to tell me he could be down with the van (one ton van from the factory) to load up my furniture Saturday afternoon. This is one day earlier than we had originally planned and I kinda freaked out. I didn't know what to say because this would reduce my very limited time to spend with friends and say goodbye. We talked and decided I would still stay until Monday and my dad would drive home with all my furniture on Sunday morning (hopefully after Mass:). Which means I will be attending the cookie decorating gathering at Marcus' Sunday night. How exciting, no?

One week. The time really did go by fast. I should be packing right now, but I'm not. The calls from friends to hang out one last time are coming in and my week is filling up. It's hard to say no to anyone because I really want to see everyone! But I do need to finish getting ready to leave as well. At least all the paperwork I have to finish during work hours, which leaves the night hours free to plan. I'm hoping to do most of my packing on Saturday. I already have most of my clothes packed and I'm aiming to pack up my dishes next. I realized today I have to get paint to paint the wall in my room back to white from the golden bronze I painted it when I moved in. I can do that Saturday.

There I go, getting caught up in the details again. The next time I drive home it's for good, not just for a holiday visit. I can't believe how much I'm leaving behind: the amazing people I've met, the religious groups that have formed all over Grand Rapids, the parties, Diet Coke and Mentos, soccer, barbeque's, beach volleyball, the beach, walking the pier, Traverse City Cherry Festival, ski weekends with Erin's family, weekends in Chicago at the seminary, fighting with Erin's cats for seating at the apartment, dancing to Irish music at the Black Rose, ballroom dancing 2 to 3 times a week, swing dancing Tuesdays at Rosa Park, singing Karaoke, sending all my friends to Holland (by accident!) when giving directions to my apartment, eating brownies fresh out of the oven with ice cream on top, Tuesday night dinners with a wine of the week, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's parties, bread break with my co-workers, Sci-Fi Friday nights, training for and running 2 sprint triathlons, playing guitar for Connect . . . wow, and that doesn't even include the trip to Australia and all the weddings from this year. And don't forget bowling after Connect, watching shooting stars late at night, mapping out the constellations on Grand Haven beach . . . What else am I missing?

Yeah, I'm gonna miss Grand Rapids, but even more, I'm gonna miss everyone who made this city home for me.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Visa? No problem

No more Visa problems! I called the El Salvadorian embassy in Chicago (again) and I spoke to the same guy I spoke to last time. I asked him in 3 different ways what I needed to go to El Salvador and even explained I had read about Tourist Visa's. He assured me I did not need a Visa, only my passport. I asked for it in writing, but he just told me again I only need my passport. I asked him a few more questions and he answered those really well, so I decided I believe him about the Visa's as well.

That said, I am purchasing a one way ticket to El Salvador. Yea! If I need a Tourist Visa when I get down in El Salvador I'll just buy a one ticket back home and get the Visa. I'm not worrying about it anymore.

Instead, I am worrying about translations of my documents. That is the next big thing. I think I can ask anyone to translate them for me and then take the documents and the translations to be authenticated at The Great Seal. I love that it is called The Great Seal. It reminds me of The Big Giant Head from the television show 3rd Rock from the Sun. :D

I ordered a copy of my birth certicate and hopefully it will get here next week before I leave. I paid enough for it to get here on time - I don't even want to hint at the dollar range on this one - ridiculous. I think I could have gotten a copy for less, but the order is in and it's paid for, so, it's done.

I gave a talk at Connect on Wednesday and I discovered through the process of preparing the talk that one should not attempt to give a talk while preparing for a major life change! I think I gave a decent talk given the circumstances (I was so stressed out the night before my talk!) and since our gathering was roughly 13-15 people that night it kept it intimate and allowed for more sharing and discussion. I liked that. My topic was death, which I think is a nice topic to prepare for Christmas. :) Really though, I think it is. After all, if we think about our death more, then we'll think about what we want to do before we die and perhaps realize that now is the time to do it, not later. Hence, I am heading off for missionary work! No time like the present.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Roadsongs

Hi everyone! My friend Mike released his first CD and I wanted to share it with you! He is a very gifted musician and song writer who is currently studying under the Diocese of Marquette at Mundelein University. (He will be ordained a priest next summer! How exciting!)

I'm very proud of him and love his CD. I have been listening to the CD a lot lately and want to let everyone know it's out there. You can find him on itunes under Isidore Bard. Check out his album and listen to the songs here: http://www.mediatrixrecords.com/IsidoreBard.html

Every song purchased supports Mike on his journey to and through priesthood.
Thinking about Visa's makes my head hurt. I called an airline to see about a round trip ticket with an open date on the return trip, and the guy said they don't do that anymore. What they do now if a "Refundable Ticket," which are more expensive than a regular ticket. Way more expensive.

Basically, I would purchase the round trip ticket with the return trip as far in the future as the airline will let me book it, then before the return trip date, I cancel the ticket (possibly reschedule) and get a full refund. Let's just say the price of this round trip ticket would equal a trip to Australia and back.

I'm not sure about all my alternative's at this point (I haven't called the US embassy in El Salvador) but I could possibly buy a one way ticket to El Salvador, buy a return ticket when I get to the El Salvadorean airport, go and get a visa, then cancel the just purchased plane ticket (some airlines give a full refund if cancelling a ticket within 24 hours of purchase). Or I could just buy a refundable ticket for a one way trip back home when I get into the airport at El Salvador and I wouldn't have to keep buying a ticket every 3 months when I leave the country and return to renew my Visa.

Decisions, decisions.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Do I even need a Visa?

So, yesterday and today were focused on how to get a visa. This, as it turns out, is not easy. It is not easy to get a visa, nor is it easy to figure out the steps one hopeful traveler needs to take to procure a visa. Let me highlight some of the high points from my search. (in truth, I included every point in my search, I just numbered them. And then added a few points not related.)

1) I need a visa to remain in El Salvador for a year.
2) In order to get a visa I need to fill out an application and mail it along with my passport and airplane tickets to the nearest El Salvadorian embassy for processing.
3) Airplane tickets need to include a return flight to the states.
4) I'm not coming back in a time frame the airline tickets will sell. Hmmm....
5) Nearest embassy is in Chicago
6) I called the embassy last night. Their hours are M-F 9AM-Noon. 3 hours of availability. Fabulous.
7) I called the embassy today. The guy who answers tells me I do not need a visa, only a passport. I clarify that I will be spending a year in El Salvador. He repeats previous statement.
8) I don't believe embassy guy.
9) I attempt to call American embassy in El Salvador, however, haven't figured out the country code yet. Failed attempt.
10) I search online for blogs of people who have gone through this before.
11) Find blog http://theelsalvadorgringo.com/. He is a frequent traveler to Central and South America and is my hero of the day. He has a fabulous blog about passports and visas
12) From his post, the brief call to the embassy, and tidbits I've picked up while scrounging feverishly around the internet (no wonder I've developed carpal tunnel), I have deduced I can simply go to El Salvador with my passport (translated into Spanish of course), purchase a $10 travel visa at the airport, which will be good for one month and then ask for the visa to be extended to 3 months.
13) From this point I will have to leave the country every 3 months and then return to purchase another $10 visa and repeat the process.
14) Bothersome, possibly, but I would only have to do it 3 times and I can simply use the weekends to see other countries. :)
a) It comes to mind that I'll be leaving winter for summer this January, but also that I'll be leaving summer for winter when I return. I'm thinking, if I like it down there, I stay an additional 6 months, then leave summer to came back to summer! I could even make it an annual event and avoid winter all together! (nah, I really do like winter. a little.)
15) Oh Yeah, I still need to have a return airplane ticket to get the $10 visa. Which is why I am going to see a travel agent tomorrow about purchasing a ticket to El Salvador with an open date on the return ticket. I hear these are more expensive, but since I'm looking at around $600 for the flight down, I'm hoping the open ended ticket would be around $1200, which would equal a flight there and back. We'll see, there will probably be some complicated process to actually acquiring and using the ticket.
16) I am also going to call the El Salvadorian embassy again to see if I get someone else to talk to. This time I'll ask "what do I need to get down to El Salvador and stay there for a year" and maybe I'll get a more comprehensive answer.
17) I also need to bring certain documents to the El Salvadorian embassy to be translated into Spanish and stamped with their official embassy seal. With stellar hours like 9-12, I'll be taking a day off work and driving to Chicago.
18) I would like a job where I only have to work from 9-12.
19) I would also like to learn to dance hip hop. Perhaps now is not the time to pursue that interest. Next year.
20) Make chocolate milk (I had to include something to bring the number total to 20)

Monday, December 1, 2008

You're Going Where?

The long wait is finally over! The perplexing question that had everyone gnawing their fingernails and pacing a rut into the floor now has an answer! Where will Karina be for her missionary trip?

Answer: San Salvador, El Salvador!

Where is that you might ask? In Central America where there are only 2 seasons - count them, 2 - Rainy Season and Dry Season! The country where you don't have to exchange your money because the US dollar is accepted everywhere! Where they grow coffee and have lots of shrimp fishing! Where I will be for the next year starting in January! (specific dates pending)

Well, that's a lot of exclamation points, I better take a break for a minute, bring my heart rate back down. Now, there are a few safety concerns: the homicide rate in San Salvador has increased by 25% since '05 and apparently swimming in the Pacific off El Salvador's coast is a bit dangerous as the current is VERY strong there. Oh yeah, and apparently the buses there should be avoided all together due to a high robbery rate.

Let's focus on more positives: I will be living in community with the Salesian sisters (how exciting!), I will have my own room (even if it is just a cell, I'm very excited about my own space), my 3 main duties will be teaching English, helping promote the role of women (I'm not sure if that will be empowering the women to do more - like in the US - or helping the women to understand their role based on the Bible. Hmm... those two things don't need to be separate), and working with youth in after school programs - kinda like youth group I'm thinking.

I think because I'm living in community with the sisters I'll also participate in their day to day activities such as prayer and the rotation of chores. I'm planning on cold showers and having to clean my laundry by hand. I don't know what to think about the bathrooms. I do expect to have access to the internet since I was given an email address to get in touch with my contact at the missionary site, but I don't know how often I'll have access.

I just read the information packet again and now my mind is spinning just like the first time I read it! So much is going to happen, and really quickly! I need to translate the page because it's all in Spanish. I understand most of it, but some words are important and I haven't looked them up yet - for example, they ask me to bring a laptop if I'm able, but I don't understand the reason. I also just read that the beginning of the school year is January 13 and, if possible, to be there by that date! Yikes! That is only 3 days after the end of my training in Texas! I am going to be tired of flying I think.

Some representatives from the community will be present at the airport to pick me up, so that is reassuring, won't have to navigate the San Salvador busing system as soon as I arrive. So they want me there by the time school starts. I hope they don't expect me to start teaching as soon as I arrive. Maybe I'll get to help out in a classroom for a week or so at least, see how it's run. That makes sense actually, I'm sure they have programs all set up since they do run a regular school, so I'll have to see how everything works before jumping in. (i hope, i hope, i hope!)

Yes, teaching is definitely the one thing I am most nervous about. Memories of my semester student teaching in Muskegon fill my head. They consist of: spending the entire semester 2 steps behind the work load, never feeling adequately prepared for the days lesson, and having to create all the lessons from scratch. I get anxiety just thinking about it! It can't be as bad as that semester!

I shouldn't think about all this before bed, my mind will be so busy thinking about everything, I won't sleep for a few hours. Ah, who am I kidding, it will only be 20 min or so, it never takes me long to fall asleep.

Over Thanksgiving my Dad and I went shopping for a duffel I can pack my entire life into. Found a nice army green duffel at the Army Supply Surplus Store. My dad recommended I stencil some identifying features on it. The only stencils I have are of dragonflies and bumble bees. That could work. I just had an idea! I'll put the bumble bee on one side of the duffel and have his flight path marked out in dashes across the bag! Brilliant!

I haven't figured out everything I need, but Mike C. - who has been on several oversee adventures - gave me some tips over Thanksgiving, such as making sure to pack one nice outfit to wear to Mass and other nice occasions. I think I'm going to steal the alarm clock my parents have in the spare room at home. It's small and runs on batteries. Of course, I already asked if I could take it and they said yes, but stealing seems more exciting.

Well, the state of my mind has taken to rambling, so I better stop here. My next step will be to make more lists. List of questions, list of items to bring, list of items to purchase, list of Christmas gifts to buy, list of ....

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Items to Bring

Hello everyone. So, I have a list of items I am supposed to bring to my orientation in December and there are two items that I'm having a hard time coming up with ideas for.

The first is fun ice breakers, ideas, and/or games for the kids(we'll be working with kids it seems), and for the volunteer group to use in our gatherings. (though I love bang the bucket, I don't want broken people to be my contribution to the group. I would say the same for buck-buck, though that is mainly because I don't want to play. OH! but that does remind my of Big Booty! I am bringing that one down!)

The second is to bring 25 small souvenirs from your state or region to share with the other volunteers and participants. Please make it small and inexpensive.

With Erin's help we've come up with souvenirs that could have something to do with cherries, snow, apples, or maple syrup. I still don't have any specific ideas though. (no, I haven't thought about it terribly hard or I might have something specific) Maybe I'll just bring apples. As you can see, I need some help. So, if you have any ideas or know of something really Michigany, I would love for you to tell me!

Peace! (please refer to current profile picture for 'peace' reference)

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Breaking the Silence

So, it's been awhile since I've posted and I thought I ought to catch everyone up on what's been happening - which isn't much. First, I have not yet received word as to where I will be placed. Second, I finally mailed in the few release forms VIDES sent to me with the email of my acceptance. Now that email was back in October. Why, you might ask, did it take me so very long to send in those few forms? That is a good question, which I will answer here.

Right away I will tell you I did not need to wait that long. Shame on me. However, I first had to purchase a flight to San Antonio. I liked that part! The flight information needed to be included on one of the forms. On that same form I needed to include my health insurance coverage during my time in San Antonio. This is where it gets tricky. I won't be employed after Dec. 19th so I don't know what coverage I will have. I emailed VIDES and let them know this. They sent back a link to a health coverage company that allows coverage to be purchased by the month for a very reasonable cost.

I looked that over. Then a few days later I contacted work about COBRA and other options. After I saw the cost for COBRA, that is no longer an option. She then gave me a little booklet with other options I could purchase and these were much more reasonable. I looked my options over for a few days. Still undecided, I realized the form from VIDES asked for a copy of the insurance card and I won't even have a copy of the new insurance card until shortly before it is active. Realizing this, I made a copy of my current insurance coverage and sent that in the envelope with the other forms. Problem resolved. I'll get coverage later.

I also had the opportunity to talk to Fr. Don, my parish priest, at my friend Jen's apartment blessing. (She made dinner that night of spaghetti with a sausage sauce - so delicious!) He gave me the church's address and told me to send letters on occasion about what is happening and they'll post it in the bulletin. Pretty cool!

Talking to my mom a couple of nights ago she also mentioned that the Daily Press back home (Escanaba, MI) likes to publish pieces on locals and I would probably be able to contact them about a possible article or two. I had also thought about contacting the UP Catholic as well. I've had a subscription to them for the last 2 or 3 years and I like knowing what is going on in the Catholic world back home. They might post an article of my travels as well.

Well, that's a lot of possible places to write to. They might not all be as willing as Fr. Don to publish my work. Can't hurt to ask anyway. The fact that I'll have something to write about is very exciting to me and I want to share it with as many people as possible! Not only that, but I've always thought it would be cool to write for journals and newspapers and the like, and this provides a unique chance to do that.

I'll keep you posted on any more writing opportunities as they become available. And as soon as I know where I'm placed, a blog will be sure to follow!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Yesterday I told my boss I would be leaving at the end of December for a missionary trip. I can't say what I expected to happen, but I was nervous. Turns out I didn't need to be. He and our HR person both congratulated me and though they couldn't help thinking about everything that will need to be done as a result of my leaving (we are in the process of restructering the Marketing department - of which I am a part) they expressed their happiness for me!
So, that's exciting, cause now everyone will know I'm leaving in 2 months and when something goes wrong at work I can say, "I don't care, I'm leaving in 2 months!" Which won't be entirely true, cause I will care, but I can say I don't!
At any rate, the plan is to hire someone into my position who I will then get to train before I go. If they don't hire anyone, well, I still get to go. :)

Oh yeah, and I bought my plane ticket to San Antonio yesterday. Yea!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Grateful

Thank you so much for all the support and responses from everyone!! I have such amazing friends and can't express my appreciation adequately. It is so reassuring to know I'll be leaving with many prayers and goodwill to send me off. It didn't really hit me until last night that I'll be leaving behind everything that I know and heading off into the unknown on my own. Talk about testing my faith! It's all about creating space for God though, right? When I am lowest is when He is closest. (or when I am scared-est) And I think living in a religious community will definitely support my spiritual growth.

Speaking of the religious community I'll be living with, the Salasian Sisters were founded by St. Mary Mazzarello (1837-1881), who worked with St. John Bosco (who founded the Salesians) and founded the Salesian Sisters in 1872.
I have the Coat of Arms for the Salesian Sisters posted on my blog, so I though an explanation of the symbols would be helpful:

The Dove represents the Holy Spirit who is the source of the spiritual life that animates our Salesian mission.
Mary Help of Christians, our Mother, whose direct intervention brought our congregation into existence.
Lilies signify our Consecrated Chastity that enables us to give ourselves totally for the young.
A Forest, through play on words, represents our founder, Don Bosco. "Bosco" means forest in Italian.
The Well represents the Italian town, Mornese, birthplace of our foundress, St. Mary Mazzarello.
The Anchor stands for the Hope that fills our spirit with courageous daring.
The Star is the symbol of the Faith that impels us to serve the Lord in joyful fidelity.
The Heart represents the Love Salesians have for the young people they serve.
Roses symbolize the Loving Kindness that imbues our family spirit.

I like that the anchor is so big and draws the eye. It seems to represent my life right now - a new hope, and courage will be needed to take this step on my walk with God. Thank you again for all your support and prayers - definitely helps with the courage part of the anchor symbol!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

And So It Begins

This post is rather lengthy - just to prepare you. Best to take a bathroom break now.

For the last 6 years or so I have felt (to greater and lesser degrees) called to missionary work. This last year it has virtually consumed me as I hunted and researched groups to apply through. Then, back at the beginning of September, I came across a website for the Salesian Sisters and it felt right; like I had arrived at my destination. I sent in the preliminary application and they responded by asking me to complete the full application. The deadline was October 1st. It was not a short application.

The next three weeks were a flurry as I called around to doctors to get a physical, I sent out reference requests, of which I needed four, requested school transcripts, made copies of documents, filled out my own reference and the full application form which included 5 essay questions. The instructions for the essay questions actually said, "Please keep your responses limited to 1 to 2 typed pages." I felt a little overwhelmed, but terribly excited. I completed all the tasks they had set before me. My references were in (thank you, thank you, thank you!). I put the application in the mail on Tuesday, September 22nd.

On Wednesday October 8th I received an email telling me I had been accepted to the program! How excited was I? I managed to contain my excitement until after the work day ended (work does not know yet that I am leaving in December).

Now there is so much to do!

But before I get in to that, I have to explain some of the story that led up to this point. I shared this talk at Connect after coming back from World Youth Day (WYD) - Sydney in August, and my friend Amanda encouraged me to share my witness. I wrote it in my journal, but I'm finally going to post it here.

Before even signing up to go to WYD, I didn't really have my heart set on going. I wanted to do missionary work - preferably outside the country - for a year or more. With so many of my friends planning weddings for '08 (and having been asked to stand in all of them - how can I say no, I love these guys!) I didn't want to miss these momentous occasions in my friends lives. So I decided to postpone my ambitions for a year - which is why I decided to go to WYD.

As anyone can tell you, a substitute is not as good as the original. The approach of the impending pilgrimage seemed to taunt me - a constant reminder of my unrealized dreams. Just another device I had put in my way to try and distract myself from what I should be doing - following God's call on my heart to missionary work.

The night before we left for Australia I called my mom and broke down sobbing. I couldn't seem to feel happy and excited like I should before such an amazing trip. Instead, I was dreading it. My mom asked all the right questions and helped me break through the mask I had been hiding behind. Until that point, I didn't fully realize what lay behind that mask of disinterest, anger, and confusion; now I know it harbored my unfulfilled dreams.

Feeling a bit better with this new knowledge, I hung up with my mom and proceeded to go to Erin and repeat the process, crying on her shoulder. Then we drank wine. I felt much better after that.

My time in Australia turned out to be a time of freedom for me. Freedom from the stresses and worries of work; from responsibilities to my family and friends; from everything that can weigh you down. With all these responsibilities and concerns lifted from me, I became more aware of myself. The me behind the mask. And without all the distractions of everyday life, I was able to very clearly hear God's call for me.

In the end, traveling to Australia was not another distraction, but a clarification of what I needed to do. It jump started my journey down a new path - currently headed toward San Antonio, Texas for orientation to my missionary program.

Even now, after all this, I don't think missionary work is the end task God is calling me toward, it feels more like a first step, and if the first step is this exciting, I can't wait to see what He's got in store next!