"And where are you off to this summer?"

My dentist asked me this question when he first walked into the waiting room last February when I saw him for a routine cleaning.  I had to laugh ~ guess my heart for traveling is evident even at a place that I visit twice a year. 

So, to answer the question, I'm taking my passport and adventurous spirit to Uganda for a 6-week Teacher Exchange Program!!

Yet for me it's not just about getting another stamp in my passport.  Each of my experiences abroad has shaped my ideas and opinions of who I am, my country, and the world we live in.   I travel not just so I can say I went someplace, but because I know that I learn more about my role as an advocate of social justice as a result.  

I also believe that the best way for teachers to improve their teaching is to engage in the practices of peer observation and discussion, critical analysis and reflection.  I will be incorporating all of these strategies in the Teacher Exchange program during my stay.

I am especially excited about this trip because I’ve never been to Africa.  I think that living in a Western nation we often hear about Africa, but primarily and unfortunately only about the extreme poverty that exists.  However, I have to believe there is more.  I want to go to witness the hope and the potential of this continent.   And more specifically, I believe and am thrilled about the work that I'll be doing with the Teacher Exchange Program, a part of Invisible Children.  (Check out the post below)  

 I also feel very grateful that I have the time and the energy to go on trips of this nature and that my family, friends, and colleagues are supportive of my endeavors.  

 I am always a little anxious about my safety abroad, yet when I truly believe in the work that I get to be apart of, I realize it's worth it.  Vale la pena, my all time favorite Spanish phrase! 

 Thanks for your interest in following my experience through this blog.  I'll try to post at least twice a week, but I’m a rookie to the blogging world.  

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!  Much love, JiLL