Countdown: 1

ONE. MORE. DAY.

I can't believe it's already here! This trip that I've been dreaming about for so long and planning for not long enough is finally about to begin. I couldn't be more terrified, excited, nervous, or emotional... Basically I'm freaking out.

As I write this post I'm laying in my bed on my last day at home doing what I do best: Procrastinating. 
I'm putting off the large amount of packing and last minute tasks that need to be done either 1) because I'm crazy or 2) because once that's done I'll finally be ready (and that terrifies me!) Everyone I've talked to has told me that this is going to be the most exciting and influential semester of my life. I don't doubt that at all! I'm immensely excited to meet new people, learn new things, and be thrown into an unfamiliar culture. I'm just so nervous for this big change in my life. 
I've already been back at Concordia for a little while, which was a blessing but also a curse. I was able to help out with LAUNCH weekend, work at the bookstore during the busiest time of the year, settle some of my things into my new room, and spend time with my friends. That was also terribly difficult because I had to say goodbye to them all after such a short time. When I come back for Spring semester it'll be like starting the year over with people who have already spent half of it together. I know that I'll be having this whole  adventure without them but still... I'm so sad! I want to be there for all of the memories during these three months-- to watch my best friends dominate the football field, study with my roommates all night long during finals week, and make tons of McDonald's and Walmart runs. I'll be on a different continent, but I think I'm leaving half of my heart with my family and friends. 

Though I'm sappy and emotional, I'm also so pumped for this journey to begin! I just have to get through my first international flight which is also my first time ever flying alone. (Pray for me. Knowing my sense of direction I'll probably end up in the wrong terminal on the opposite side of the airport!) For those of you who don't know, I'll be flying out tomorrow at 5:30 pm from Cedar Rapids, making two stops in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, then flying all 14 hours to Sydney for CISabroad orientation. Did I mention my layovers are only for 40 minutes each?! I'm planning to wear my running shoes. ;)
When I get to Sydney it will be 6:30 am on Friday, which means I have a long few days ahead of me... Hello, jet lag! We spend about a week in Sydney, then fly to the Gold Coast for our Bond University orientation. Classes will actually begin on September 15, and end on December 9. I know this semester is going to fly by! I hope to make the most of my time Down Under... I'll keep you updated!

Well, I suppose I should start packing. Or maybe watch a few episodes of The Office on Netflix... I think you know which one I'm going to do.

:)