>3 months

In less than 3 months, I will be in another country. It's real-talk time now.

I had my pre-departure orientation this past Saturday. It was really great to meet all of the other people studying abroad, as well as gain some more insight on what to expect. We all had a great time getting to know each other, and I think that a really cool group has come together. I think it was also really good for my mom to talk to other parents who will be experiencing the "loss" of a child. I will be her second child that is living overseas, and it's really hard for both of my parents to realize that we won't be living in a 20 mile radius like the rest of their family. It happens.

I'm kind of like a senior right now in school, I guess. I went to prom this past saturday after my orientation, and it was actually a really great time. Looking back, high school didn't suck as much as everyone said it would. I will miss all of the friends I made, but it's definitely time to move on. I have to do all of these senior requirements in just a few weeks time, like graduation project and standardized tests and other stuff, but that's all right with me.

Also, side note. My 9th grade English teacher gave me a full-sized accordion for free the other day. It's probably one of the best gifts I have ever received. I want to take it with me to Belgium, but it's over 30 pounds. Maybe I will sacrifice clothes for heavy musical instrument of magic.

  

some news

It's weird how plans fall together so quickly. Just a few months ago, studying abroad was just an idea being thrown around. Now, as of a few weeks ago, I have discovered that I will be spending my senior year of high school studying abroad in Belgium. And, thanks to the Speedwell Scholarship, it will be free of cost. When I got the call from AFS on March 22, after I screamed like a man, I realized that my life would be incredibly different in a year's time.

The application process was somewhat interesting. Several papers and documents were needed to complete the application, including a handful of signatures from doctors, teachers, and school officials. Each time I told these people that I was planning on studying abroad, a variety of reactions occurred. Some were supportive, some were surprised, and some even appeared to be amused. Even more so, some were confused. I think the most common question that has been asked is simply, "Aren't you scared?"
Yes, I am scared. I am nervous. I am hesitant. But, more importantly, I am also excited. I have no expectations for this coming year, and I can only hope that this state of mind will enure the best experience possible.

Along the way, I hope to post photos and posts of my journey. I will not do this to boast and brag about my experiences, but to simply show what's going on. There are so many things to see, and I want to share at least a tiny glimpse on this blog. Feel free to contact me at any time with questions, comments, etc

As for now, I wait for four more months before I leave the U.S! I hope to make these last few months very memorable with a combination of close friends, the outdoors, and good conversation. Belgium...see ya soon.