So You Don't Fit in My Suitcase

Bend just a bit more and take a deep breath.
Good, good now hold that, I am gonna zip . . . Wait, what? I didn't quiet hear you.
You want an air hole? Air holes are overrated, just hold your breath.

It seems packing all of you into one suitcase isn't going to quiet work, especially if you have ridiculous requests such as air holes, what's next food and water for the flight over to Pohnpei? So to save you money on contortionist lessons, and to leave me room to pack some clothes, I thought I would include you in my journey through a blog. You won't need to pack much for the journey, go ahead put your toothbrush back in the bathroom and your underwear back in your dresser drawer. For this journey, you will simply need:

- A bit of time for reading blogs, a few prayers, and maybe even dropping me a line.
- A couple of cups of coffee for potential late night reading.
- A sense of humor; what's life without laughter?
- And most importantly, YOU, pack your all the amazing and the not so amazing aspects of who you are for this adventure. Leave your masks at home, or just toss them out they really aren't that good anyway; I want the true you along for the journey.

While we move through this adventure together I ask for a good deal of patience as the frequency of my blogs is dependent upon many factors, including factors I don't even know are factors yet. If you are interested in learning more about the Jesuit Volunteer Corp, check out www.jesuitvolunteers.org.

Also as a part of my commitment to JVI I am responsible for fund raising $3,000 before July 20, 2008. If you are interested and able to support my journey financially you can make donations www.jesuitvolunteers.org/donatejvi. In the notes section please make sure to indicate my name, so your donation will go toward supporting my fund raising efforts.

Are you up for the adventure?

PS: Feel free to take a peak at my archived blogs, posted there are some of my adventures studying abroad the summer of '07. For those of you that tried to follow along last summer, you may remember I didn't get very far in my blogging, but I going to strive to be better this time around . . . remember patience is on the packing list :)

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jo, I am so excited for you!! What an amazing experience. My cousin did JVC in the Marshall Islands teaching English and science a few years ago and had a great time. I'm really looking forward to hearing about your experiences. Best of luck!!

Porter said...

Ah Jo, your adventure has apparently begun... and I dropped the ball, big time. I let myself get wrapped up in other things and now I don't know when I'll get another chance to dialogue with you. Due to you being a good friend (opposite of myself), using my email and phone number, I know you already know both. Please use either, let me know how you are, and give me another chance to be a friend worth having. I apologize for not putting in the amount of effort you deserve.
-Porter

Anonymous said...

Missing you already. These next two years will be and adventure for you with dull days at times I am sure. I can't wait for news of you travels and new two year home. I know you will be a huge asset to the program.

Patrick said...

Hey, have you made it? How was your journey? I can't wait to hear what you're up to!

Anonymous said...

Jo, I hope you don't mind, but I thought I'd give a quick update to those who check your blog on your status.

Jo is still settling in and getting used to things in her new world. School has started and she has gained a new perspective on school from the teacher's side of the desk! Her goal is to get a routine set up where once a week she is updating the blog and returning email, but her schedule is pretty full right now. Keep her in your prayers!

Anonymous said...

Kaselhelia Jo! I also left Tucson and went to Pohnpei as a Jesuit volunteer. I was there from 1988 - 1990. (My parents, who still live in Tucson, sent me a newspaper article about you.) My husband, who was a JIV in Palau, and I learned so much from the Micronesians; it changed us for life. Enjoy and God bless! You have made a wise decision by going!
Kathy (Snyder) Blackwell Micro'88 PS Please say "hello" to the Mercedarians, the Japanese sisters, and Jesuits!

Anonymous said...

Jo I hope you don't mind.

Kathy - please ask you parents to stop by Fr. Kino's Corner, 2716 S Kolb. We would love to meet other parents of JVIs especially those of someone who was also in Pohnpei.

Jo - continue to embrace your journey.

Love Mom

Anonymous said...

Dear Jo's mother,
Please feel free to e-mail me at kdm15@cox.net. I would like to give my mom some more info. before she goes to the bookstore.
Thanks,
Kathy

Anonymous said...

This is Brian from Portland... JVI @ PATS '98-'00. I received your lovely surprise letter yesterday. Curiously, I live 8 blocks away from University of Portland. Please send me an email. I'd love to chat more. brigerb@yahoo.com.

Drink a little sakau for me...