Leaving in 10 Days

After I got my visa-d passport back from the Mexican Consulate in Chicago, I was able to actually book my flight. I will be leaving from Milwaukee on August 5th at like 6 in the morning, changing planes in Houston, and then flying into Veracruz at about 11:15 :)

I have been packing, which is really hard for a girl who loves lots of choices in her wardrobe. I am going to take one bag under the plane, one carry- on, and a "personal item" aka backpack. You used to be able to take 2 bags under the plane on international flights, but now you are charged for the extra bag, so I will have to limit myself on my packing!

Today I had a goodbye dinner with my aunt, uncle, and cousins, which really reminds me that I am leaving really soon! I have a really big family and it's really hard to say goodbye to them for a year, but it's just part of going away.

So I have 10 days to prepare mentally for an entire year in Mexico. That is ten days to say goodbye, to finish packing, to brush up on essential spanish, to buy any last minute gifts/ supplies, and to really get ready to leave.

It's going to be one great adventure!

Visa Visa Visa

Nope, I'm not talking about an unlimited credit card, but rather that longgg application to stay in a foreign country for a whole year. I only thought I was done with paperwork for my exchange! Just when I was finally relaxing, they sent me a huge list of requirements. So I have been working on my visa, working at our local pool, creating marvelous ideas for pins to share with other exchange students, and designing a perfect business card.

In my spare time, I also managed to graduate high school! Woooo!

I also received my host guarantee form; telling me about my host family, my host Rotary club, and my school.

In general, I'm busy, but I've got plenty of time for everything.... I think!

So visa packet has been sent to our travel agent, and our visa interview appointment is on July 7th in Chicago, my 18th birthday!

Life is awesome, I'm so excited, and I've got lots to do. Can't wait to get to know beautiful Mexico :)

I'm going to be living in BOCA DEL RIO, VERACRUZ, MEXICO next year!!!
It's a beautiful port city with tons of history and culture.
My host sister e-mailed me and she seems super nice, so I can't wait to get to know them.
Next year will be  a-m-a-z-i-n-g !

RYE Event #1

This weekend I will have my first real 'event' as a Rotary Outbound student... Ah! I'm super excited to meet the other outbounds, as well as the inbounds. We are hosting an inbound student, and he has already been telling me about the awesome people he knows, so I'm sure it will be a great time.

Anyways, life is definitely moving right along, and before I know it I will graduate, spend my summer in Watertown, and I'll be on a flight to somewhere in Mexico!!
I just talked to my amazing Spanish teacher about Mexico and she is just so excited, right along with me!
Here I come Rotary :)

MEXICOOO

I'm going to Mexico next year! Can't wait! I won't find out where exactly for a while though. SO EXCITED!

ROTARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night, I found out that I was accepted into the Rotary Youth Exchange program. This means that I will be spending the next year (after graduation) in another country! I am so excited!
My first choice is Argentina, but really, anywhere I go would be amazing.
I plan on deferring enrollment to a university for one year, which shouldn't be a problem.
I can't wait for the next year!!!!

Adventure is not outside; it is within.

I opened my fortune cookie last night, only to find this on my little piece of paper.
"Adventure is not outside; it is within."
It doesn't get much more fitting than that. I am so excited for the next year, no matter what I do, but it is so important to be searching inside, while experiencing so many amazing things.
It must be fate!