HIV negative...random visa requirement

So, I have no new updates as of late.  Well, I am NOT HIV positive, which is a plus.  I found out a couple of weeks ago that I had to send proof of that as part of the new visa requirements for Indonesia.  Not that I was worried about the actual results, since I regularly donate blood at The Red Cross, but it was reassuring to know that someone at the school is actually in the process of getting my visa paperwork taken care of.  In the same email, the woman from the school asked when it would be convenient for me to come to Indonesia.  First of all, I found it strange that I had a choice in the date, since she's the one booking and buying the plane ticket, but I suggested we have a chance to arrive a few days early to get over our jet lag and have a chance to settle in.  Apparently, our school's orientation begins on Thursday, June 21st, so that's the latest day we should be getting there.  Anywho, I suggested we leave the States on June 16th, so with the travel time and time change (12 hours ahead there), it wouldn't be too quick of a turn-around.  She said she would let me know the flight details before she books a ticket, so now I continue to wait patiently.

I have begun planning my going away party, as well.  I sent out a Facebook invite tonight, and I will be making an invitation to mail to people this week.  Luckily, Veronica has so graciously agreed to come home with me on Memorial Day weekend to help me get ready for the party.  If you don't already know the details, it will be on Sunday, May 27, around 3 p.m. at my Dad's house in Highland.  We'll have plenty of food and beer, so come one, come all.

I am planning a meeting with three other teachers going to Jakarta with me.  Three of us live in the Twin Cities area, and the other is in LaCrosse, so we're figuring on everyone meeting up for dinner soon.  I already met Aasha at the UNI Job Fair, after we both accepted the offers from Bina Bangsa school; I had dinner with Danna a couple of weeks ago near Stillwater; I have yet to meet Ike.  I'm excited for all four of us to hang out and talk about Indonesia.  It will also be especially helpful to meet everyone before we're put into the already stressful situation of traveling across the world, not the mention the fact that we'll all be leaving our homes and families for the next two years (we're all supposed to be flying out of Minneapolis together).

That's basically it for now.  I just thought I should write an update for anyone who is actually following this blog already.  I hope to see you at the bittersweet farewell party!  Please call me or leave me a comment here if you have any questions or concerns (about the party, specifically, or Indonesia, in general).