Update 2

Well All, It's a little after Christmas and a bit before New Years, so I hope that all is going well for each and every one of you. I know things have been very busy on my end, and I expect that things are the same for you as well! It's been quite some time since I've written so I wanted to send the latest news as well as my best wishes for the Holidays.

I found out last week that I will be leaving February 14, 2006 for Santiago Chile. Yes, Valentine's Day. My first few weeks will be in Santiago, but the remaining 10 months are still a mystery. My current contract states that I will be teaching FIVE classes and running one or two extra-curricular clubs. I have to start thinking of what clubs I would like to start so i WELCOME ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS!!! I am currently working on my visa application that is due Jan 10th and reading my welcome and orientation guides. While biding my time I am working about 30 hours a week at Ulrich's, one of U of M's campus bookstores. ...I know there are some of you that are biting your fingernails worried that I may change my mind here at the last minute (about leaving) but I reassure you that I am very VERY excited about this and have every intention on leaving. I will be a challenging experience, but I am ready for it and excited for the doors this will open for me afterwards.

Well, that should be enough for right now. And just a reminder that life is short and the unexpected is always lurking in the shadows, and whether it be good or bad you have to embrace it with open arms in order to continue moving forward. I send my love to you all.
Alissa
"Every journey has a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware."
Martin Buber