There is so much about this journey that is completely unknown, the faculty team keeps telling us to "embrace the ambiguity." I usually like to know what's going on so this has been somewhat of a struggle but at the same time it is so refreshing. I have never been out of the United States and have absolutely no idea what this international adventure will be like. All I know is that it's going to be AWESOME and I'm soooo excited! I just finished packing my 70 liter backpack which I shall be living out of for the next five months, another very big change. I'm really hoping I don't forget anything...
My mom asked me today what I'm expecting to gain from this trip and to be honest, I didn't really have a direct answer. Like I said before i really have no expectations so its hard to determine what exactly I plan to achieve/gain/learn BUT after a little thought here is what I have come up with:
1. I am so excited to be exposed to new cultures, traditions and people. I want to learn how to embrace other cultures and become a part of foreign traditions.
2. SPANISH I can't wait to better my ehem not so great spanish speaking skills
3. I can't wait to learn the ins and outs of travel, how to communicate with the natives, what to eat, where to stay, etc.
4. Some would say (alright almost everyone who knows me would say) that I sometimes tend to get a little stressed out when deadlines approach, when busyness overwhelms, when huge tests and assignments threaten my sanity, on and on. BUT i am looking forward to a new learning experience as a student this next semester. I plan to learn by completely immersing myself and learn from experience. The best part? NO PLANNER. It's going to be so different from my insanely routine, planned and dedicated school life and i think it will really change me as a student and possibly my approach to college :)
God has so much in store for me and this short list just touches on what I'm sure I'll learn. There are so many things I didn't mention and if I were to blog about everything I'm looking forward to I would be up all night. I hope that I can update this blog fairly frequently so that I can share my experiences with everyone. I will be praying for everyone back at home and I hope that you all will keep me in your prayers as well!
I am so excited for this adventure CENTRAL AMERICA HERE I COME!!!!
Very exciting! Looking forward to the updates! Here is my advice as one that has traveled abroad before you, speak as little English as possible, meet as many people in the country as possible, Find churches to attend in each country, attend a catholic mass at least once, rely on God in ways you never knew you could, have fun, travel and see as much as possible, love every moment! May God bless you on this journey in new and exciting ways!
ReplyDeleteWow thank you so much for the advice! I am going to try my hardest to speak as little English as possible, it will really challenge my brain...And I am so excited to attend churches there and yes I will most defintely be attending a catholic mass. Thank you so much for your prayers Mr. Wallace and fam! :)
ReplyDeleteYippee!! I am glad you are keeping a blog! It will be a fun way to keep up with how your trip is going :)Safe travels! Look forward to hearing your adventures.
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