Getting closer...

My techie friend Sheila got my SIM card installed in the phone.  And my kitchen package arrived in Beer Sheva. So at least I'll have coffee and tea available those first few crazy days.

And I have two meetings set up with BGU faculty.  They will be in final exams when I arrive, so I'm glad I can meet with them.

Two more lessons left with my Hebrew teacher...

Cell phone with NES mobile

I set up a cell phone program this week with a very favorable calling allowance.  They're sending me a SIM card for my phone, so that I will have service when I land in Israel.  Yeah!

Approval from UMKC

Today, I received THE letter approving my sabbatical leave.  Whew.  55 days until departure!

Progress on several fronts

1. I got a verbal approval of my sabbatical from UMKC.  I await THE letter.
2. I signed up for international health insurance (BTW-their site worked).
3. Did a test pack of my suitcases, and to my surprise, everything fit and was under the weight limit.
4. Bombed out with the Post Office on cheaply shipping books, so I'm rethinking what needs to be shipped.
5. Got the passport out of the safe deposit box.
6. Made contact with a Beer Sheva resident that will be helpful when I get there.
7. Less than 8 weeks to departure!

UMKC swag

UMKC's anniversary provided an excellent opportunity to buy some travel gifts (at a discount).  I procured 8 yellow kangaroos and a couple history of the UMKC kangaroo motif t-shirts.

Travel gifts

I started collecting travel gifts.  I've acquired a variety of Wizard of Oz items, and will get a few UMKC kangaroos (small stuffed animals).  In the US, BBQ-related things are great, but I'm not sure that will play well in Israel.

Plane tickets!

Plane ticket is purchased!  I'm flying out of NYC JFK on El Al.  So it's final now.

Apartment found!

My friend Nissim found me an affordable apartment in Beer Sheva near the university and train station.

Slight change of plans

Well, the Fulbright fellowship was not successful, but my sabbatical pay will cover my trip, so it's to Ben Gurion University in Jan 2014 for me!