Unwritten Chapters

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."   -Seneca                                                              

Minha louco familia!

Although I have a new chapter of life around the corner, yesterday we celebrated my father's new chapter-- his retirement!

I have always admired my father, not only because he is an amazing dad, but because of how hard working, kind, supportive, and selfless he is. This came into focus yesterday at his retirement luncheon rounding out 38 years with the State of CA, mostly spent in the Dept. of Education but the past 4 with the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs. It was a full room of people, all attending to wish my father well in the new phase of his life--  jokes abounding (mostly surrounding the Giants vs. Dodgers rivalry). But what really shone through was how many people admired and appreciated his dedication to his work, his "can-do" positive attitude, and witty sense of humor. In his speech, he said his only regret was not joining the Dept. of Veteran's Affairs sooner- as he was able to really see the people he was serving, and that he felt "what more deserving people to serve than those who have served our country."


Needless to say, I am very proud of him. Now he will have more time to walk/run their yellow lab, learn to jam on the lefty guitar I gave him, read the daily paper, golf, and just plain putz around. Cheers to a father who is an inspiration for my life and upcoming journey abroad! 

Portuguese Visa Shenanigins

Preparation for living abroad and life in general has been going smoothly. My Portuguese language skills are improving, and last week the U.S. Fulbright Commission sent out a press release announcing receipt of my award. This week I am giving a few interviews with CSU Sacramento, the Sac Bee newspaper, and my local school district & Union in regards to it, which is exciting!


But today.....I hit the panic button.

My in progress long-term visa to Portugal consists of tons of paperwork which I finished 2 months ago. But I haven't been able to send it in to the Portuguese Consulate because I have been waiting to receive an FBI background check in the mail that must accompany the application. Supposedly it should take 6 weeks, and so at the end of last week I realized after checking my paperwork that it had been 8 weeks, with no FBI check still to my mailbox. I was kicking myself because  in hindsight I realized I should have sent it with confirmation of receipt because I had no idea if it even made it. I only have one month until I leave, and it takes up to 3-4 weeks once I send in all my Visa Paperwork to the Consulate in SF to get it approved. Yikes.


Let's just say I'm running a tight timeline.


I woke up early this morning to call the FBI agency back east, ready to deal with a barricade of filters to talk with an actual person. I was mentally preparing myself for the worst case scenario: they never received my request through US mail, which means I'd be starting over, and they "don't expedite under any circumstances" their website clearly stated-- which could mean another 6-8 weeks.  I already had handy my U.S. congresswomens' contact information in case I needed help from a big hitter.


I finally reached a woman at the FBI agency, and calmly told her my situation. I gave her my address which she told me she'd use to look it up in the computer.


"I'm sorry but there is no record that we received anything from your address. Is there any other address that we would be sending it to?" My heart began beating louder in my chest.


"No," I replied. "I only have one address, my home, that I put on the background check application." I repeated my address to her, and asked her not-as-calmly to check again.


"No, I don't have anything," she lethargically repeated. She was beginning to sound like the teacher from Snoopy in my head.


I said, "Well, is there another way to look up to see if anything was received, like my social security number? How about I give you that?" Panic mode was setting in.


"No, just the address ma'am. I'll check one more time in the system."..... "Oh, wait, actually, here you are. It was send out on the 17th. You should be getting it today or tomorrow."


Hallelujah!!!


Opening up my mailbox today, I exhaled a giant, deep, sighhhh of relief to see the self addressed envelope with the FBI background check enclosed.  I promptly rushed to the post office to mail off the packet for my Visa, made sure to pay extra for confirmation of receipt, which it's now (hopefully safely!) on its way to the Consulate in San Fran...

Peace, Love, and High Tide

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."   -Nelson Mandela 

hippie love

For the past 2 weeks I've taken a hiatus from my Portugal preparation to embrace my interest in social justice to attend an "ahimsa" or peace studies institute at Cal Poly Pomona near Los Angeles. I had no idea what to expect. I found myself  surrounded by forty rad and inspiring teachers from all over the country with the focus of our studies on two important leaders in nonviolent social change: Gandhi and Cesar Chavez.  

Chavez and the NFWA

I am still in awe at the depth of this institute. We laughed together. We cried together. It was exhausting and exhilerating. Each day of the fellowship was jam-packed while soaking up discourse and insight from scholars, activists, professors, readings, and documentaries. I was humbled by how much I don't know and still need to learn, but it felt wonderful to be a student again. The knowledge and awareness I've gained has propelled me to think more critically about issues of social justice including poverty, environmental and food sustainability, violence, and farm-to-school projects -- especially in relation to our role as educators to be an impetus for change. We spent time creating curriculum to weave into classrooms with these concepts... But the best part has been the interesting, progressive teaching peers I've been able to learn from and their unique experiences and lives! I am challenged to continue reflecting on my journey: what is my place in the world, and in what ways can I make a meaningful contribution?


"To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect." - Oscar Wilde

Fact: Life throws curveballs

Gandhi and Chavez were examples of this. During their struggles, often times things went very wrong. Being extremely thoughtful individuals who "expected the unexpected" they were able to adapt and continue making progress towards their vision. For me this means attempting to move fluidly with the inevitable changes life brings. Realizing the  illusion of security or permanence it is not there to be had,  it's time to move out of the safety of the "cocoon" and into the high tide!...never forgetting to give thanks for the people and blessings in my life!  Speaking of changes....

Fulbright Updates:  I originally understood my position (besides presentations on U.S. culture &  building relationships in the community) would be teaching University students various classes of English and English Literature. But I found out that instead, I will be teaching classes to the University Professors. I am excited, but it honestly feels intimidating at the moment!  Also, I expected my accommodations in Lisboa would be some form of University graduate housing (ie dorms), but found out that that instead they've secured an apartament for me in the city centre. I'm thrilled to be in the mix of downtown with the ability to take advantage of  their awesome public transport. Obtaining a bicicleta upon arrival will be priority!  

Praça do Comércio

Até a próxima vez (until next time)....


Muito amor, 

Kristy