My First Orientation

Orientation was so much fun today, I got an AFS t-shirt! But really, the best part was being able to talk to the returnees who just got back and were able to answer our questions and share their own experiences. So much advice in such a short period of time...research as much as I can but don't have too many expectations, make an effort to make plans with friends and be included, pay attention to little pieces of culture, and a lot of advice that at the core meant always keep your safety in mind and use good judgment and common sense. It was really cool to have the chance to talk to some of the other kids who are getting ready to go abroad. I even met another girl who is going to be going to Chile this summer so now when I arrive in Miami I'll recognize someone there. Listening to the other kids talk about their host countries made me wish I could go to them all. Just in my one class of 20 kids going on summer programs there were kids heading to Italy, France, Finland, Thailand, Japan, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, and even Ghana. Then at lunch I sat with some kids who were looking forward to spending their senior year in Germany which is an idea that just blows my mind away. I think it was good for my dad too, although the examples of everything that could go wrong didn't really reassure him, I think he better understands now that it doesn't matter how much research, information, advice, and examples of other people's experiences he can give me because my experience is going to be something completely unique. He can't change the world for me but trust that I'll adapt to the world. I had such a great time today and it makes the wait seem sooooooo much farther away. Just 36 more days to go!

Orientation's Tomorrow!

Every time I get an e-mail or letter from AFS I start jumping up and down and tomorrow I get to go to the first orientation, which is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to meet other kids who are as excited about becoming an AFSer as I am. I have my binder all ready with all of my AFS e-mails printed out and all of the information about my family in La Serena, Chile!!! I got another e-mail from Conny, Jorge Luis, and Mami Mile earlier this week and they included photos which is amazing for me because now I can really picture living with them. I hope that tomorrow I'll be able to to talk with the AFS returnees about the biggest culture shocks. Whenever I think about my trip I just get so excited that I'm afraid I won't be completely prepared for how different life is going to be. I also hope the parent discussions will help my dad with some of the fears he has about me leaving, the truth is I've considered the things that he worries about (ex. me not coming back) but I just have such feelings of pure elation whenever I think about this summer that I can't seem to place any worries or fears along with it. Definitely dreaming of Chile tonight!