It was an absolutely gorgeous evening at
Salty's on
Alki. Though the pictures don't really show it, the Seattle skyline was breathtaking, and the boats gliding along the glistening water were straight out of a picture post card. Phil and
Geda Condit were at our final dinner, along with their daughter Megan, with whom I've had numerous emails, but this was my first face to face! It was nice to finally put a name to the quick sense of humor that I've enjoyed via email. Megan's grandmother, Phil's mom, was also present. I really enjoyed talking with this charming woman. She has traveled the world and keeps in contact with people from over 100 countries via email! I hope I have a tenth of her energy at her age! Margaret, the Assistant Dean of the School of Ed was present as well. She was interested in the work we've done to date and listened attentively to our suggestions to further improve the professional development side of the program.
I think the most moving part of the evening, though, was when Phil got up to speak. It was obvious that this program meant a great deal to him, and the fact that we have all become so close and care so deeply for one another brought him near to tears. I must say, I got a bit emotional too. I know I'll be seeing everyone again in just a few short days, and this time in Jordan!, but I will miss them just the same; the
camaraderie, the jokes, and most of all the wonder of learning about people from so far away. Soon I'll be traveling half way around the world to enter a completely different culture. I feel so different as a person already, and I haven't even experienced Jordan! I can't imagine how transformed I'll be when I return.
It was an absolutely gorgeous evening at Salty's on Alki. Though the pictures don't really show it, the Seattle skyline was breathtaking, and the boats gliding along the glistening water were straight out of a picture post card. Phil and Geda Condit were at our final dinner, along with their daughter Megan, with whom I've had numerous emails, but this was my first face to face! It was nice to finally put a name to the quick sense of humor that I've enjoyed via email. Megan's grandmother, Phil's mom, was also present. I really enjoyed talking with this charming woman. She has traveled the world and keeps in contact with people from over 100 countries via email! I hope I have a tenth of her energy at her age! Margaret, the Assistant Dean of the School of Ed was present as well. She was interested in the work we've done to date and listened attentively to our suggestions to further improve the professional development side of the program. 
I think the most moving part of the evening, though, was when Phil got up to speak. It was obvious that this program meant a great deal to him, and the fact that we have all become so close and care so deeply for one another brought him near to tears. I must say, I got a bit emotional too. I know I'll be seeing everyone again in just a few short days, and this time in Jordan!, but I will miss them just the same; the camaraderie, the jokes, and most of all the wonder of learning about people from so far away. Soon I'll be traveling half way around the world to enter a completely different culture. I feel so different as a person already, and I haven't even experienced Jordan! I can't imagine how transformed I'll be when I return.
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