My countdown has gone from weeks to days. In five days, I have to be packed and ready to leave, and on the sixth day, Saturday, I'll be getting on a plane at 6:00AM to begin my adventures in Ireland.
I have mixed feelings about this.
First off, I am so excited to be going. I can't wait to get to Ireland and start experiencing a new culture. I won't just be experiencing it though, and that's the best part. I'll be living in it. I want to learn and try as much as I possibly can, which will be a lot since I will be there for three months.
But I'm also nervous. I've never been out of the country, or away from my friends and family, for three months. Luckily for me, I am traveling with a couple friends, which will make it a lot easier. And in today's world, I'll be able to keep in touch with people through video chat and Apple messaging, but it's still a daunting thought that I won't be able to just whip out my cell phone and give them a call.
I even have worries for before I leave, though. There's so much to do and think about in the next five days that I'm kind of going crazy. What do I need to pack? What can I find while I'm over there? Did I return all my library books? Have I said goodbye to everyone, or am I missing someone? I think that's a tickle in my throat. What if I get sick before Saturday? Can I fly if I'm sick? Do I want to fly if I'm sick?
Question after question. Worry after worry. I constantly remind myself that I'll be fine. My parents are here to help me. I have five days to get in touch with people (and return my library books). I'm not getting sick, I just had to sneeze. We've made a list of things to pack, and if I forget something, I will make do.
The thing is, it just still doesn't seem real. It doesn't feel like I will actually be getting on a plane in six days and not coming back for three months. I think that's one of the hardest parts. It still feels like something I'm just talking about, even though it's less than a week away. It is happening.
The next time I update this blog, I'll be in Ireland. Wish me luck (with both the packing and the flying please), and I'll see you on the other side.
Rachel
I have mixed feelings about this.
First off, I am so excited to be going. I can't wait to get to Ireland and start experiencing a new culture. I won't just be experiencing it though, and that's the best part. I'll be living in it. I want to learn and try as much as I possibly can, which will be a lot since I will be there for three months.
But I'm also nervous. I've never been out of the country, or away from my friends and family, for three months. Luckily for me, I am traveling with a couple friends, which will make it a lot easier. And in today's world, I'll be able to keep in touch with people through video chat and Apple messaging, but it's still a daunting thought that I won't be able to just whip out my cell phone and give them a call.
I even have worries for before I leave, though. There's so much to do and think about in the next five days that I'm kind of going crazy. What do I need to pack? What can I find while I'm over there? Did I return all my library books? Have I said goodbye to everyone, or am I missing someone? I think that's a tickle in my throat. What if I get sick before Saturday? Can I fly if I'm sick? Do I want to fly if I'm sick?
Question after question. Worry after worry. I constantly remind myself that I'll be fine. My parents are here to help me. I have five days to get in touch with people (and return my library books). I'm not getting sick, I just had to sneeze. We've made a list of things to pack, and if I forget something, I will make do.
The thing is, it just still doesn't seem real. It doesn't feel like I will actually be getting on a plane in six days and not coming back for three months. I think that's one of the hardest parts. It still feels like something I'm just talking about, even though it's less than a week away. It is happening.
The next time I update this blog, I'll be in Ireland. Wish me luck (with both the packing and the flying please), and I'll see you on the other side.
Rachel