One Empty Suitcase

Hello World.

By world I mean the people reading this blog.

By people I mean my friends and family.

And that one rando stranger- to you I hope for us to become great friends one day. 

Moving on...

As many of you know I leave Friday for my adventures!

Specifically, I board the aircraft carrier Friday morning. 

Therefore, I need to have everything completely ready by Thursday evening. 

Thursday evening is the day after tomorrow. Repeat: THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. 

Ask me if I am ready: Heck yeah! Okay, and again: Wait, What? I am leaving the country? 

You know that feeling of complete nervousness and excitement? Well, that is my current state of human emotions. I feel as though I have been waiting so long and have spent so much time preparing for this trip; I also feel like I know nothing and have no idea what I am doing. 

My suitcase is empty (this may have some symbolic residue to it, who knows). I have most everything I need. However, the fortress for my belongings for the next month are not yet held within it. 

This probably reflects my emotions as described earlier, as well as my "girlish" actions of being concerned of what outfits to bring. I don't want to look wierd.

I have had many conversations with friends and family, describing my excitement and fears. However, one conversation has stood out to me, and may have some noteworthy significance. 

My mother and I were taking an evening stroll on a night much like most of Alabama summer: humid. In fact, more humid than usual. We talked mostly about "airplane" fears, ya know what if it crashes and what not. Then, we discussed what specifically I was looking forward to about Granada. I have heard about how it is hot there in June, but not nearly as humid. Due to the current weather of this conversation, that is the first thing that came to mind. Then, I told her all about the Al Hambra. It is walking distance from  my school, which is also walking distance from my host family. I could not be more excited to see this, as well as experience the culture surrounding it. It fascinates me how even after The Reconquest in Spain, that architecture is reveled and it's culture is still alive. I cannot wait to learn more about this monument, and the beautiful Granada around it. I am nervous about everything, meeting friends, speaking spanish, and of course if my host family likes me. 

I hope to learn so much more.

On a personal note, this is realy a feat for me. This past semester has been nothing short of hell. I was told that I couldn't go- to Spain that is. However, I refused to loose. It is a miracle of God that I was able to stay in school. My trip now is even a bigger miracle straight from God himself. I am so thankful to Him and happy that I survived and am able and ready to leave. I am happy I am where I am, and I am so ready to fly (literally and metaphorically). 

Before we depart, a few notes : The Beginning

 The words to begin this blog escape me. I have no eloquent quote, nor a statement of intent. All I can say is this: my excitement is overwhelming. I have blogged for class before, but I never got a real comfortable feel for it. Thus, I am excited about this new adventure. What sparks this venture into the "technology as a personal medium" area? Well, I soon depart on a very much anticipated adventure to Spain to study abroad. 

For those just tuning in, the purpose of this blog is to reflect on the Spanish I learn in class while in school over there. However, as many people know, much of the major learning (especially while studying abroad) is done outside the classroom. Thus, the blog is about everything. It is a reflection, a description, etc of all of the learning done before, during, and after this experience. So, I feel that I should start blogging now. I want to include all aspects of my trip, all of my learning. 

As stated previously, I cannot explain how excited I about this trip. I have always wanted to study abroad, I love the language, and I simply cannot wait to say I have been to Europe. Likewise in the immensity of my excitement, I am equally as nervous. I have never flown by myself before. I have never traveled alone. However, I am excited to let God lead me along this trip and feel comfort in the fact that, in my personal spirituality, I am not alone. 

I am beginning to gather things to pack in my various mediums of luggage. I am at loss of exactly what clothes to pack (typical girl concerns), although I have been reading many forum type websites from other students that have studied abroad and their advice. I have concluded that less is more and I hope to fulfill this "mantra" of mine. I must get some outlet converters, among other "international" type needs. 

While on my trip, I will blog every day that I have class. Until then, I hope to update this as most as possible. 

I hope to have answered some of my questions and concerns with my next post. 

"Happiness is not a station you arrive at,

but a manner of traveling"

-Margaret Lee Runbeck-

The Alhambra- I want to see this in person!