I'm moving in five days.

I have tried on several occassions to write a post about all of this, but I haven't been able to do it. It has all seemed quite distressing. I also avoided the topic, because I didn't want people to find out that I was leaving by reading my blog. I certainly don't intend to use my blog for disseminating news that makes me cry practically every time I talk about it. I'm more of a face-to-face kind of girl. (But at least this way we don't have to cope with the mutually awkward experience of me getting all weepy with a blotchy-red face.) So if you're finding out about the move for the first time as you read this, I'm sorry. Give me a call before Tuesday, and I'll get you caught up on the details.

Right now the plan is to leave on Tuesday morning after prayer and breakfast at the convent. I will drive, drive, drive, drive... for about 14 hours until I arrive in New Hampshire. (Please let me know if you have any helpful strategies for staying awake and entertained on the road.) It looks like I will be living in Concord with my big sister and her husband for about three months. Then, if all goes as planned, I will be moving back to my hometown to teach first grade at Nashua Christian Academy. My contract begins on January 24 when I will be taking over the class for a woman who is about to become a mother. The school offers free housing for their teachers, so I plan to live in an apartment there with four other women.

There are many things about this opportunity for me to be excited about. But I am sad, sad, sad to leave this beautiful place. These beautiful people.

So... don't you think its time you planned a vacation to New England?