The send off..

Santa Barbara, California. August 5-7, 2008 After a few months of preparation and finalizing all logistics, it was time to begin. My friends were there to see me off. Props to those who hold down the fort! Yeah "Westmont Summer Team!" Lacey, Stephanie, Yuko, Marcos and Ryan were there to see me off. Rom also took me to a nice dinner the night before to just hang out and share before going. It was fun and good to spend a few days with some of the people I care most about before leaving. It was a good sendoff, with several of us carousing Westmont housing as we left. Dr. Montgomery called with blessings, Dr. Penksa said hello, and Dr. Covington waved goodbye as he left with his wife. My family also had a great celebration the days before, a great encouragement to show all were supportive.

So, after a discussion of whose car to take, and a last minute delivery by UPS, off we went to East Beach to await the Airbus.

Here are some pictures of the day .