14, 13, 12, 11, 10, . . .

It's getting closer!!!  I can hardly believe it!  There are only 14 days until I leave, which is absolutely crazy!  I am getting excited to leave this cold weather that we have, however, I am nervous about going too!  My first air plane ride, my first sky diving adventure, first time swimming in the ocean, first time being away from all of my family and friends for 6 months!  So many firsts, it is almost scary to think about!

So I am mainly writing because I wanted to share about my experience I just had at the Mall of America.  I went to the "Underwater World" at the mall.  First time I had ever been in there (if you haven't seen it, check it out, it is really neat!!).  I, unfortunately, did not have my camera with me... so I will do my best to describe it.  We walked through a tunnel/cave type area, where the aquarium tank literally surrounded us.  Swimming above and alongside of us were all different types of ocean animals; including Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Sea Turtles, and all other sorts.  Two of the largest fish in the tank (which I would say were approximately 10-12ft long) were flown to MN.  Guess where they were flown from. . . That's right, from Sydney, Australia - which is where I will be spending the majority of my time!  If that wasn't scary enough, there was a jelly fish display, with all sorts of facts about the thousands of types of jellyfish.  The deadliest jellyfish, the Box Jellyfish, just happens to be located where?  Oh, on the east coast of Australia... Scary huh?  Also, at the aquarium they had what they liked to call "Fun Facts" hanging up.  After reading some, they weren't so "fun". . .  One that really caught my eye said something like, "The most shark attacks in the world occur on the east coast of Australia".  Needless to say, it sounds like I will be heading into a fairly dangerous environment, due to the animals that populate the area.  Finding all of this information out is a bit nerving, however, I am still VERY excited for this journey!

On a side note, I just registered to take my MTLE test (in order to obtain my MN Teaching License).  It looks like I will be taking the 4 tests required for me, two days before I fly out!  I have a busy couple weeks ahead of me, but I have faith that things will continue to fall into place, much like they have thus far.  Thank you all for your continued support!

Say a few extra prayers for my safety from the oceanic life I will be encountering!!! :)

My first experience with the ocean... March 2010.  My favorite part was collecting all of the sea shells. . . I cannot wait to see it again!!!! :)