5...

Five days until I leave. Details are coming together. Most of my "set pieces" are in place, and there is a good balance of scheduled events and free exploratory time. It is still hard to digest the fact that I will be in a whole other world in five days. Two more donations over the past few days (Geoff, fan of Marmite, and Jared, recent college grad). Thanks, gentlemen!

Antici....

This is my last Sunday in Tennessee until August, and I am somewhat wound up with anticipation for my trip. A lot of logistical issues are pretty well sorted out (though not all), most of my supplies have been gathered, and now it is just detail work for the next few days.

I've added a couple more photography workshops and a meeting with a working photographer in Christchurch. I've also received some really great advice on some South Island adventures. We will see what happens when I get there.

I happily received a donation on Thursday from a colleague. Thank you, Lorraine Stewart! 

More Itinerary Clarity

I continue to add things to the itinerary. My stay at the farm has been confirmed, as well as a school visit while I am in Christchurch. 

There's still some blank space on the schedule (a good thing), and I am waiting to hear back about a potential big event, but most of the lodgings have been booked at this point, and most of the transportation has been arranged. This makes me feel better. 

I have to be somewhat packed and organized for this trip in 9 days. That's a little crazy. 

A Pair of Donations and Another Scheduled Date

Thank you to my grandma and grandpa, as well as my mother, for making donations to the lens renting cause! Very much appreciated!

I've set a date to visit the Ormiston Senior College in Auckland. I'll be there on June 5th. There will be many more announcements this week, I've no doubt.

(The Itinerary has been updated)

4 Weeks...

I leave in 4 weeks and a day. I suppose that this weekend I'll start gathering supplies. I think the only thing I need that I don't have is warm-weather pants, but that's probably why I should start gathering supplies.

I'd also like to give a big thanks to Jamie Precht– a dear, close friend from Antioch Middle School– for her donation yesterday! Yay!

Second Donation, and Some Actual Progress

Thanks to Sam Karns, a friend from way back (4th grade!), who made a donation to the lens renting cause today. I appreciate it, truly.

Had a little time today and knocked out some more specifics. 

• Bought plane tickets from Auckland to Christchurch (June 10th), Christchurch to Queenstown (June 14th), and Christchurch to Auckland (June 23rd)
• I booked a hotel for my time in Queenstown
• Trying to lockdown transportation to Glenmac, and then I'll make my booking there. 

The trip is starting to take shape, though I still have some space for spontaneity. A little excited, a little nervous...

First Donation!

I received my first donation for camera gear rentals today from my lovely aunt, Gerrie! Thanks so much!