She Wants It Her Way

This is it.

The beginning of a new chapter. The journey that I have been anticipating for the past 7 months is becoming a reality in the next 5 days. From packing to prepping, it feels the most real today. I am already anticipating being homesick and I miss my family already.  I'm trying to get myself in the mindset that this is what I need and it's healthy for me to leave and explore a new world ...alone.

The road that I will travel may feel like it's alone, but I know I'm not alone. I have the support and love of my family, friends, and an open heart to new friends and adventures for security. I also trust in God, who I know will never leave me.

If you didn't know, this is my first time "away." Sure, I've been to the occasional church trips (Tennessee 04' and New York03') and sleep-away summer camp (which lasted a week); however, I have always been with friends and gone for no more than a week! I have never been separated from my family for a trip, especially this long. Even leaving for college (American University) has resulted in being only 1.5 hours from my house in Maryland and my dad working in Washington, DC…so I saw him every.single.day. Anything I needed, my family was there.

Applications. Housing (still searching). Passports. Visas. Airplane tickets. Packing. Shipping. Trips to the Embassy. Lots and lots of Learning.

*deep breath*

It's taken a lot of preparation to get to this point and I still don't feel ready! I will be studying for five (5) months down under -- in Aussie land (Melbourne, Australia). The University of Melbourne will commence courses on July 24th and I will begin my journey on July 7th, 2011 from Los Angeles, California. I will be staying in a hostel for a few nights until my housing situation is settled, which is probably going to be an awesome experience.

Here's to a new beginning. Here's to new adventures. Here's to positive thoughts. And yes, I know it may not always be fun, joyful and full of happiness. I expect to feel homesick and miss my family/friends (I love you all!!); but I know that 18 hours away, they'll be waiting for me to return home as me, but better.

And I vow to be better.

Most of all, I anticipate good things…and I invite you to join the journey for the next 5 months. :)

And away we go…………...

Flight Schedule:

Washington, DC --> North Carolina

North Carolina --> California

California --> Sydney, Aus.

Sydney, Aus. --> Melbourne (final destination.)