How did we get here?

Chris and I have always dreamed of living abroad with our family. This dream became a reality thanks to the English Language Fellow (ELF) program. This is a program through the U.S. Department of State that creates exchanges for American English language educators to work with English teachers abroad for 10 months. 

In the Spring of 2024, I was offered a fellow position in Peru from February to December of 2025. All at once, we were ecstatic, terrified and overwhelmed. Since this moment, we began methodically preparing our lives for this time away.  From decluttering, to writing year-long sub plans, to navigating the Peruvian school system, I can definitely say that it has been A LOT. But I know/hope it will be worth it in the end. 

For a variety of reasons, I will head to Peru by myself to start. This will give me time to settle in to our new house and my new responsibilities. It will also allow Chris to finish up most of his Roosevelt responsibilities for this school year. On March 30th, Eloise with be dropped off in Peru by my brother Aaron (who will also hang out with us for a week). Chris, August and Zinnia will join us on May 18th. It is going to be so hard to be away from our family for this long and likewise, it is going to be so hard for Chis to be with our family for this long. Wish us luck!

(This is a picture of me in Washington DC. I spent a week there this past summer doing an orientation for the ELF program. It was great to meet and work with all of the other fellows who are assigned to countries all over the world.)