Getting Ready

I am in the final stretch, only one week left until I fly to the other side of the world to spend the next season of my life.  I have been trying to prepare myself the best that I can, but it’s hard to know what to do when I don’t really know what to expect.  I have never been outside of the United States, especially not for such a significant amount of time. 

I am looking forward to the hot weather, seeing the ocean and getting away from winter.  However, I am even more excited to meet all of the new people that I get to spend this time with:  the other students, my host family and all the Australians that I will have the opportunity to get to know.  I am excited to learn about their culture, values and way of life.  I am excited to grow closer to God in this time that I am there, away from my family and friends and everything I have known my whole life. 

I have been up  at school visiting everyone and saying good-bye.  It’s so weird that they are all here going to class and chapel and writing papers, going about their everyday routine.  I feel disconnected from it, like I should be doing the same thing.  It’s good though, God has planned this adventure for me and I am excited to get going.  This is the hard part though, this last week.  I have to finish up packing and say goodbye to everyone I love and hold dear in my life.  I have said goodbye to all of my friends here, but I know it will only get harder after this.  I’m ready though, I can’t wait to board that plane :)