One hundred and sixty-three hours (and seven minutes) ago we said our good-byes in the gravel drive-way to which I have always come home, 1300 miles from here. There have been a lot of partings in the past months and years, and the past month or so has been particularly abundant in them. It seems that we are always saying good-bye.

And now there is here. The accents, the kindness, the warmth (off both sorts-human and physical), these create an environment that is deliciously enveloping. Only, this process of welcoming is acheived with such Southern ease, it is subtley unsettling. The culture seems so quick to welcome, to become home, to be comfortable, and is rather good at it in a nearly aphrodisiac sort of way, and yet (forgive me for this) I am still feeling a little foreign.

Still, I have never felt so eagerly in my element so quickly. It is not that I am fully confident- very far from it. However, it became clear upon first meeting of the MTC that we share reasons, attitudes, and priorities. It feels like a group of individuals (and of course this is just how it feels to me- I'm sure each of is different) that are ready to be professionals because we know that professionalism is the least of what will be required to acheive what we intend- to teach, well.

I also must admit experiencing something I have not for some time: I want to impress these people. I know that my focus will shortly adjust to be entirely directed at the kids we'll be teaching. Right now, though, the details are flying, sorting themselves out, and I can't help being completely blown away by the obvious passion that is here, and wanting to connect, to share ideas. These people care, deeply and honestly. As adults, as people with the power to do something about it. There are a million little ways to make mistakes: The praxis, teaching and planning skills, social skills, nerves, organization, etc. The need to succeed is so great, and it feel so easy to miss or mess up something important.

Then there are the schools. I saw the town where I'll be teaching, looked around, met a student. It wasn't a perfect place, but it energized me further, made me want to start. We'll see how it goes...

Had more, but its really time for study and sleep.