Hey,

I've finished packing, so now there are only good-byes to say, and i'm off! Since Tor and Tova left for Ecuador, my anticipation and excitement have only grown. Seeing them off to the airport renforced my conviction that going to sperate programs was best as it will alow us to focus on our experiences and not be distracted by eachother. For a large part study aboad is about learning to live on your own in a new environment, without the crutches or your old life: family, friends, and teachers who all supprt you - and expect you to be a certian person. On study abroad you have a chance to truly self examine, and determine/decide how you act and who you are without the habits and expectation of old relationships influencing your character. The fact that in a handful of days i'll be packed and getting on a plane is very real to me, but the fact that i won't be coming home for 6 months is very, very sureal.

Some of the things i antcipate will be "edge-work" for me durring the program are:
- low goal orrientation (Achievement is one of my core values, defining realistic and flexible goals, and finding ways to "get the most out of every moment" without "doing the most" may be a great stretch!)
- adapting to less physical affection in my life (mmm. not looking forward to this!)
- being able to hear and speak in tones

Somethings i anticipate with glee:
- making connections despite the language barrier with my host family. (as of yet i have no information on who i will be living with, it's all part of the surprise!)
- the WOW factor
- the week-long days: As it always does in a unfamiliar situation, for time to "slow down" as i take in so many new and exciting things.

In a few dayss, we'll see how acurate these predictions are!