Preparations

It’s the final countdown before deployment! I will be on the long flight to Hong Kong during this time next week. Right now I am also on a plane, but heading in the opposite direction…down to Austin, Texas for a family wedding. Luckily I have free WiFi and some good reading material! We were each sent a book in the mail by the ABV (Australian Business Volunteers) team who is our local partner for the assignment. It will be important to learn about customs and culture before we jump into the office building on October 2nd so I am thankful to the ABV team who has been helping us prepare for the assignment I’m so many ways!

It has been interesting to read about the American history and influence in the Philippines. I have been to Manila once before for a work trip but it was a quick trip and I didn’t spend much time learning about the Filipino history. I’m sure we will learn a lot more once we are there, but I feel like I’m getting a little bit of a head start now.

We had out last team meeting yesterday and I could sense the excitement of the team, and also lots of last minute questions about packing, etc. I must admit I don’t feel too prepared yet but am starting to think of all the things I may need for the trip (thanks to Amazon prime, I have been hastily ordering last minute things over the past couple of days). Once I get back from the wedding this weekend, then the real packing will begin.

I’m looking forward to meeting the IBM team in person next week, as well as our client. We are already planning some group excursions including volunteering with an organization providing relief after the typhoon there last week. Let’s hope the weather holds out while we are there. It is rainy season now so I’m sure we need to expect lots of rain. That reminds me, I need to add a rain jacket and umbrella to the packing list!

Ok, back to coffee and reading before we land in Austin. I’m sure I won’t have a chance to write another post until after we arrive in Manila..so stay tuned 😀