NSF proposal review

I'm on a National Science Foundation proposal review panel for graduate fellowships, and this year they've gone to an all-virtual panel.  I just did the technology check on my laptop from home (in Missouri).  Hopefully, all will go well for the panel meetings in two weeks.  At least the time will be good for me -- the panel meets in the morning, which means it will be in the evening (not the middle of the night) for me.  Ain't technology great?

Getting ready

Well, the weird thing is deferred disposal.  What I mean is, it's like getting ready for Passover - throwing out hametz.  So I've cleaned out the deep reaches of my refrigerator, and tossed worn-out clothing, recycled what I could and ate what will perish.  I'm looking at my house/belongings with different eyes for now.

Saying farewell

I received a warm sendoff from my congregation today.  It's good to have their prayers.

Packages on their way

I sent the rest of my junk to Israel today, and to my surprise, sent my books and leadership materials by the elusive USPS M-bag.  Elusive?  Well, it's on the USPS website and was recommended by the UMKC Study Abroad coordinator, but I had no luck finding anyone at several post offices who believed that such a process was possible.  But my postmaster in Creighton called the postmaster in Garden City who told her to send me over.  Voila!  BTW, M-bags are ~50% of international parcel post.  We'll see how long delivery takes.

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!