50 lbs. My suitcase can only weigh 50 lbs!!!

I have a huge problem. My suitcase is 15 pounds over weight. What do I take out? I start with the umbrella. It is the rainy season, but I can always buy one. Next take out full size shower gel, shampoo, conditioner. Twelve ounce bottles add up fast. I will only pack travel sizes and try to estimate how much I will need for 19 days. Next clothes! I need to reduce the number of outfits. I narrow it down to basics I can wear multiple times. Black pants are in on this trip!

I stuffed more into my carry on. It is really full. That could be a problem at the airport.

Finally my suitcase is just at 50 pounds by my scales. I hope it will be ok on the airport scale.

Tomorrow is the day. Good byes will be said tonight. I leave for the airport at 2:30 a.m. We want to make sure we have plenty of time.

I am so excited and now getting a little nervous. I am heading into an unknown adventure. What experiences are ahead?

Packing, organizing, and packing some more

Finalizing details. Tomorrow tie up loose ends and organize clothes to pack. I am not nervous at all. Everything is going smoothly and I am leaving in 4 days!!!

I must think about the speech. I could write it on the airplane as my son suggested. I keep going to back to why I was asked to give the speech. I was told the selection committee was impressed with my application and felt I was the right person to represent the entire group. I am so humbled by the request. A small town teacher to represent United States educators. What a huge accomplishment in my career.

The count down begins!

Only 1 week before I leave. All the things I need to think about. How much money to take? Do the boys have copies of the medical insurance card? I need to start packing. How will I keep in touch with everyone at home? What time is it in Tokyo? Good thing I bought the alarm clock that displays time at home and the time where you are staying. It will really be important so I don't try to call in the middle of the night.

I need to start writing my speech for the welcome reception. What am I going to say? How can I represent 159 people I have never met?

My itinerary arrives!

My itinerary arrived today. It is official, my name is on the flight itinerary. This is not a dream, I am really going to Japan.

I leave Cedar Rapids Airport at 6:15 a.m. to Chicago O'Hare. Then my flight from O'Hare to San Francisco departs at 9:05 a.m. to arrive in at San Francisco International Airport at 11:32 a.m. I will spend the night in San Francisco with orientation in the afternoon and dinner reception in the evening.

My flight to Tokyo leaves at 11:25 a.m. on Monday, June 9 from San Francisco. I touch down at 2:10 p.m. on June 10 in Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan.

My return flight is on June 26, leaving Narita Airport at 6:30 p.m. and arriving at O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, at 4:09 p.m. on June 26. Then catch a flight to Cedar Rapids Municapal Airport at 5:48 p.m. I should arrive at Cedar Rapids at 6:48 p.m. (it shouldn't take that long). Then a short drive home (only 1 hour 45 minutes).

Host City - Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Today the host cities were announced through email. I will be part of a group of 16 teachers traveling to Katori City in Chiba Prefecture. Japan is divided into 47 Prefectures, much like our states. I will not be far from Tokyo, but I am not finding Katori City on Japanese maps. I am guessing it must be a small city or town.

Now I wait until the official itinerary arrives.

Selected to give speech at welcome reception in Tokyo

Today I received an email asking me to give a speech representing 160 teachers at the welcome ceremony in Tokyo. I will be speaking after representatives from the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Education. Wow! There is no way to refuse. I email back accepting the request. Then I ask why me? Why a teacher from a small rural high school in Illinois? I receive a second email from Tokyo. The people selecting the grant candidates were impressed with my application essays and felt I would be the best person to represent all teachers participating.

The early stages of planning

A package came in the mail today. Many forms to fill out and return. I am so glad I already have my passport. One less thing to think about.

Clothes! What will I wear for 19 days? I can take 1 fifty pound suitcase and must have business professional attire to wear to meetings and school visits. This will be a challenge.