It’s official.

I only have two weeks of normal life left.

I’m quitting my decently-paying, full-benefits-giving, 9-5 job to become a nomad. Not just any nomad, I guess… a nomad with a destination in mind. For most of my life, I’ve known that I’ll be living overseas. And now that time is upon me!

These past two years living in South Minneapolis have been very beneficial, and I’m so thankful that I didn’t move out of the country right after college. The additional training, life experience, and friendships have meant so much to me and they’ll hopefully last for a long time to come.

China will be here by the end of the year, with a nice little journey along the way:

June 11 – August 7
Global Expeditions asked me to lead and direct another trip this summer – I gladly accepted! I’m taking a group totaling about 150 teenagers to Germany, Czech Republic, and Italy. We’re going to be working with YWAM and Operation Mobilization doing mostly sports camps in the surrounding cities and villages of Herrnhut, Torino, and Rome.

August 13ish – September 30ish
Working a temp job somewhere around the world… I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options. Feel free to give feedback! 1. Working on a salmon boat in Alaska. (anyone have connections?) 2. Working on an organic farm in Sweden. (http://www.wwoof.se/) 3. Teaching [English] somewhere in South America

First week of October
‘Back home for some very important dates and to say my “last” goodbyes.

China
Depending on what job I get, I’ll either be going straight to China in October or taking other temp jobs around the world and get to China by the end of the year. If I get an English teaching position over there, that’ll most likely start with a new semester in January.

People have asked what they can do:
1. Write to me
This is a very surreal part of my life and I’m definitely questioning and second-guessing a lot of decisions. A little encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

2. Come to my Epic Yard Sale / Open House on June 6 & 7, 2009, 9am – 3pm
Write this on your calendars now! This will be my last hurrah before I leave the country. I need to get rid of all of my stuff! Come over to my house and take away my old junk… You might even find some treasures in there. Buy a little memoir from my life to always remind you of me. ‘Not looking for money, just a chance to get my stuff into the right hands. I wouldn’t even mind you offering to take things to the thrift store for me. :) Location: 2933 Park Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55407 (If you’d like to help out with this, let me know!)

3. Open a free online savings or checking account w/ ING Direct through me
If you use the link that I email you to sign up, and you deposit at least $250 up front, you’ll get $25 free and I’ll get $10 for referring you. How simple is that? It’s really a slick, secure online banking system and I’ve been using them for over 6 years… Their interest rates aren’t too shabby either! Note: this is limited to the first 25 people, meaning up to $250 for me. If interested, send me an email and I’ll send you a “referral” link.

That is all.

I probably won’t have time for a cup of tea with all of you before I leave, but you’re welcome to try. Also, you’re all welcome to stop by my house on June 6 or 7! Thanks for everything!