Getting up to Speed.

There has been a lot that has happened that has gotten me to this point. First, was being selected to go. I originally was #5 on the list, and only the top 3 were going. The 2 above me both could not go for personal reasons and the table was set. Lena (my amazing NCTI boss) called me one day as I was out of town teaching and needed an answer fairly quickly. This was not an easy answer to come by. Obviously I was extremely flattered to be an alternate, let alone someone chosen to go! The honor was high, the experience a once in a lifetime opportunity but I am a family man first and foremost. Leaving my wife and children for an entire month? Not something I ever thought I would have to do. How can I justify it? Perhaps I may not want to be in the field as a Paramedic forever. Perhaps an injury, such as a back injury which is common to my profession would cut my career short. This opportunity would be a great item on a resume in any future job I might want. In 5 years would I regret not going? Jenn did not want me resenting her for telling me not to go despite the fact that it is clearly obvious she does not want me to.

Thus, the decision was made that I would go. Am I excited? Somewhat. It is a very difficult question to answer. It already hurts me to know that my wife hurts because of it. And then there is Jackson and Cameron. Almost everyday I get a "Do you have to go to China, Daddy?" or "Please stay home, I'll miss you too much".  I've had to choke back tears everytime. It is going to be a very painful month.

Thankfully, I have 2 means of communication with them. Both ways were somewhat unexpected. I did not own a laptop, but my mother in law Patty, and father in law Jay stepped up to the plate big time. They decided to give me a netbook! This particular netbook has a built-in webcam, so SKYPE will be possible with my family! What a relief that was to know that I would be able to see them! Then, Lena told me during our China training classes a week ago that NCTI decided that they would give me a phone for use while I am away! Suddenly, 10,000 miles doesn't seem as far! It is amazing to experience this kind of generosity from 2 different sources. Thanks to Patty, Jay, Lena and Mary!!

I will save the training classes for another post....