Freshman year I sat in Financial Literacy next to Nicole and mapped out what classes I would take in high school and how many credits I would need to graduate. At that moment, I may have seemed crazy because my exchange year was far in the future, but now I'm leaving in 32 days. The excitement has gone from a level 10 to a ZILLION!
Two days ago, I skyped with my host family in Spain. I was introduced to everyone in the family and even a few cousins. Gloria proceeded to give me a tour of the house, the yard, and even showed me the room that I will be staying in. My face was burning with excitement and embarrassment because my spanish is literally nonexistent when compared to native speakers. Nevertheless, at the end of the Skype date I felt 100% assured that a loving and accepting family will be waiting for me in Spain "With big welcome signs and a hug" as my host mother would say. I already feel so loved and connected to a family in another country that I barely know anything about and have never met in person. It just gives to show how quickly first impressions are made and the power of a warm smile and a few kind words.
On another note, SO much still needs to be done before I depart on September 4th. I've been shopping, submitting paper work, setting up bank accounts, shopping, freaking out, tutoring in english and... shopping. Seriously, one large suitcase and a medium carry-on won't be enough for all of my shoes, gifts, books, hair products, and clothes. (now I just have to convince mom of that)
I've also been presented with the opportunity to have my blogs published for the Atlantic City Press every week while I am in Spain. You can view them on their website (not here). I'm going to keep this my personal blog. However, if these blogs become less frequent it will be because I am busy writing the other one. Because I like I said, the blog for the Atlantic City Press will be due weekly. I will post the link to that later, once it is all set up.
32 DAYS!!!!!!!!!
