hello world.

"University of Northern Iowa Overseas Recruiting Fair'.

it's a strange concept really. 900 people from around the world gather in Waterloo, Iowa of all places - in hopes of landing a teaching job in one of 127 schools represented.
people of all kinds in business suites and high heels. folders and stacks of papers. highlighters trying to capture the 'hooks' to each school. phone calls being made to family members to inform them of their recent job offer in another country. multiple languages being spoken by many. running becomes the exercise of the weekend as people dash from one interview to the next.

while waiting in the lobby between interviews and orientations - i had a chance to meet and watch several people.

one woman who is retiring from teaching this may, was getting ready to sign on with a school in China for the next two years at the age of 55. her best friend whom she went to graduate school with 30 years ago drove down from Minneapolis to support her.
a newlywed teaching couple jumped up and down as they received word of acceptance from their first choice school in Venezuela.
anothing teaching couple sat at a table, having seen the recruiter from the school of their choice walk into the bathroom - and under their breath could hear them say, 'ok. here he comes....and start walking....now' what some won't do just to have their face seen and words heard one last time.

everyone on a mission. with a desire to be somewhere in the world. offers extended and contracts signed.

i myself had an interview with a school from Moshi, Tanzania and Cairo, Egypt about student teaching in their school system this fall. both of them went well and ended on positive notes and a need to go through others before being able to give a definite answer.

it seems strange and surreal. but excitement fills the void of unkown answers.
feeling as if i just wrapped my arms around the world and gave it large hug. what a beautiful thing.