In just under a month I will be boarding my first plane that'll eventually get me to Chile! It still doesn't feel very real that I'm going to be away from my loved ones for almost five months in a totally different country and culture. I don't think it'll really hit me until the last few days in the United States where I'll be saying the hardest good-byes in my life so far. I'm feeling all kinds of crazy. Nervous, excited, anxious, happy, sad, adventurous and so much more, I don't know what to do with it all.

In preparation I have been doing SO much shopping, buying clothes for multiple seasons, buying all of my toiletry and beauty products that will hopefully last me the entire time I'm in Chile, school supplies, etc. While I have been preparing for my adventure, I've also been helping my family and my boyfriend prepare for their visit in November. I'm super excited that they will be coming to see me and I will hopefully have time to share with them all that I've grown to love in Chile (because I know that I will love it!).

I already have a few contacts there from the years past and will hopefully be able to meet up with them, otherwise I've already met one of my travel companions through CIEE's online orientation. PLUS my friend Erika is there now and will be staying an extra month until our semester starts out back here at home, so it'll be very nice to have someone who has just been through the entire experience that I'm about to enjoy for myself.

All in all I have to say that I'm very excited for this opportunity and can't wait to have this experience [and don't worry babe and Em, I'm excited to come back home again too :) ]

Chaus!