I decided that it would be a great idea to start my blog with a collection of my thoughts before I leave so that I might compare my pre-Ecuador fears to my actual experiences. :)
As for the actual plans and documents required for the study abroad, I am thankful to be done with the acquisition of signatures and paperwork! My visa came through, and I have all the necessary documents to travel. AMEN! That was a nightmare to say the least....
Now I'm realizing that the acquisition of documents is not that great a feat... the real challenge of studying abroad is the packing....
...The thought of packing for an entire semester in two suitcases is extremely daunting. I have had repeated nightmares in which I leave behind everything at home and have absolutely no way of returning home to get it. (Talk about waking up in cold sweats.) I have no faith that I will have room to bring all the shoes, clothes, toiletries, etc. needed, and I am even more doubtful that I will have room to bring a single gift/token home at the end of it all. (So don't go getting any ideas.) In actuality, I am sure I will leave a large amount of t-shirts, towels, etc. behind in order to make room for all the souvenirs and gifts. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.. the first challenge will be to just get down there with everything... and at the moment, this is a legitimate fear... Hopefully in a week and a half I will be laughing at my packing skills and not crying about forgetting something important.
My mom graciously bought me a Kindle for Christmas (which was extremely tactful on her part, since I am a complete "ratón de biblioteca" -- the Spanish term for bookworm, literally meaning "library mouse"). This was a smart decision simply for the fact that I will no longer be packing one suitcase full of books. (I think she realizes the value of suitcase space more than I do.) Since I got my Kindle, I have bought two dozen classic novels for under five dollars (now, that's a deal!) and countless other books that I am itching to read! I have started to consider renaming my blog "the recluse with yellow hair who always has her nose in a book," since that might be the name they give me in Ecuador now...
However, I am hoping that once I get into a group of new, Spanish-speaking people, my social side will win out. (I'd like to make a few friends if possible.)
Should I be worried about the Spanish part of this study abroad? Yes.. Am I? ...Probably not enough. I should be studying my Spanish a lot before I leave, but I was so burnt out from my last semester that I am spending all my time with family, friends, or books. Spanish is getting the shaft until I need it to survive. (Procrastination at its finest.)
Speaking of survival... Coffee supply is another legitimate fear in Ecuador. Apparently they drink instant coffee down there... (that's not okay). I might be bringing a four-cup coffee maker, so I can survive the semester with as few headaches as possible. I would really appreciate your prayers on this one... Maybe God can cleanse me from my caffeine addiction? Or not..
Well, that's about all that I'm dealing with at the moment. I will be sure to include you on the packing process... that'll be a doozy.
So long for now!
Sincerely, The Girl with Yellow Hair
Kristin, you're gonna do so great this semester... instant coffee and all, which I also struggled with in Uganda :) Don't overpack! Trust me, I know it's tempting to take everything, but I also know that you'll laugh at yourself for doing that once you get there...at least I did haha. Regardless of what you pack, be it the perfect suitcase or not, I promise you'll get to Ecuador and figure out how to use what you packed and what you need to buy there (French press?).
ReplyDeleteGood luck friend!
Angela
Thanks so much, Angela! I am SO tempted to overpack.. It's hard not to, because I will be doing so much and there are so many different climates! But I think I can do it. I'll be keeping you updated :)
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