I am getting ready to fly to New Zealand.  I leave in two weeks, and have so much to do to prepare!

I am incredibly excited to be in a new place, surrounded by a gorgeous natural landscape and new people who can engage in stimulating conversation.  I am certain that my experiences in New Zealand will be positive and enjoyable and all-around rewarding. 

But first, I have to get there!  As an understatement, the flight will not be particularly short.  I must pack my life away for five months, and leave behind my loving family and friends.

I continually think about how much I don't know about where I am going.  The best way to describe it is as unimaginable.  I have no idea what to expect!  I've never been there before, and despite my compulsive planning and research, there are so many things I cannot comprehend until I get there.  What is my house going to be like?  Will I like the city?  Will the teaching methods be drastically different from my US university?  I suppose until I get there, it is best to live in the present, and leave the future for when it arrives. 

One thing I do know: the people there have the coolest speech ever!  I hope I don't stare too much at New Zealanders who are speaking, because it will take me a while to comprehend that they talk like that all the time! This fact will help me be more social, because I will probably attempt to talk to New Zealanders just to listen to them speak!

Overall, I am very eager to begin a new chapter in my life.  I am incredibly appreciative of my parents in supporting me on this journey. Experience and adventure can be the greatest life lessons, often having far more impact than information read in books.   I will continue to learn by living, and try to take advantage of opportunities that arise, whether it be a hiking trip or the chance to meet new people!