Argentina - Inaugural Blog Post!

After years of feeling called to serve overseas for a short time, and then having the experience of Honduras  in 2011, I find myself in a position of opportunity:  My partner is a willing co-adventurer, my kids' dad endorses the idea of exposing them to an alternative to the materialism of consumerist North America, and my School Board has granted me one year's unpaid leave to explore school systems in another country, and learn from that experience while sharing my own ever-developing expertise as an educator.

The question of where to go presented a bit of a challenge.  We wanted to be someplace warm for the 8-10 months we will be gone.  LGBTQ-friendly was also a factor, and one which quickly eliminated many of my own personal "first choice" destinations.  Another language, but one which would be relatively accessible (at least superficially) was a consideration; an added benefit was my mother's insistence that I learn a few basic phrases of Spanish before heading out on high school band trips to Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica so many years ago.  Access to Alex and Simon's Dad was important; He and the boys'll want to connect in person every 6-8 weeks or so while we're "away"; it wouldn't do to be travelling for 21 hours across various time zones every two months...

Argentina seemed to fit the bill for many of these considerations.  The fact that it is so close to Antarctica and penguins is an added bonus for the more animal-enthusiastic travellers in our group (namely, Simon)!

Now that my leave has been approved, we will need to find a way to finance this adventure!  I am strongly considering homeschooling for the year, which would allow me (and the boys) to volunteer and learn in a local school part of the time we are down there, without the pressure of having to be at an external "job" during specific hours.  My role would include not only overseeing the boys' Grade 4 Education, but also managing the household for the year; planning meals, scheduling and coordinating laundry, cleaning and the family social calendar and other responsibilities, much of which my partner has been taking care of this year.  The resultant need for a job on her end is the cause of some interesting anxiety, especially considering my desire for her to continue her flight training (how cool would it be to gain additional certification in another country, and experience the aviation industry from south of the equator?!) 

Because of the uncertainty outlined above, we haven’t even yet chosen a locale in which to reside! Nevertheless, as we begin to forge Argentinean connections in earnest, I feel optimistic that a solution will present itself!

Although very few of the details have been solidified, I feel a mix of hopeful anticipation and delirious excitement when I think of the possibilities the coming year holds.  The challenges and opportunities such an adventure presents will affect every facet of my personal and professional life, and I welcome the inevitable growth on all levels.

Argentina... we are coming!