The Countdown Begins

16 days until departure! I leave the United States on September 11. My flight is 12 hours long nonstop to Madrid.

Its pretty crazy to think I will be living in another country for 3 months and 8 days. It won't be anything like visiting, touring, or vacationing... I will be trying to fit in among the locals and live as a Spaniard lives.

There are 8 other students from my school also studying in Spain this semester. 30-some students from other colleges are also on the Central College Abroad Program with us. We will begin orientation classes upon arrival, which last only a few weeks. Then we go on a cultural excursion to Madrid, and later take the placement exam which determines the classes we can choose from. I plan on taking the Intensive Language course and one or two electives. The Intensive Language Course is available to Spanish-speakers of all levels and focuses on teaching students how to speak better Spanish and hold conversations. It is the best option for me to become a fluent Spanish speaker.

Its definitely a big change: going from living at home and being in high school, to traveling half way around the world and living with completely new people-- all within a year and a half! I have changed so much in that time, that it seems like much longer. But it feels right, leaving my comfort zone and heading for adventure, experience and change. I will make new friends and family. I will improve my Spanish-speaking skills, and become immersed in a new culture. It will be a fantastic journey of new experiences and epic travels.

Fortunately, I know 4 people in Granada already: 2 missionaries and 2 instructors I had for Spanish lab last year at Central (They were studying abroad here). I don't know who my host family is yet, but I'm sure I will enjoy having a family with whom I can practice Spanish and learn about culture.

I'm looking forward to this journey. It will be an incredible, life-changing journey of culture shock, self discovery, travels, trials, tales, and learning.

The Lord has called me to learn Spanish, so where better to do so than in Spain? He has also called me to do great things with my life and achieve monumental success in His name. I know that my Spanish skills will come in handy later in my life. I know the Lord has great plans for me to do HUGE things for Him. Studying in Spain is one step along the way to help me get there. My experiences there will help me to grow spriritually, learn experientially, and praise unconditionally.

I'm looking forward to my experience abroad. Although I am a little nervous now because I don't really know what to expect, I am positive that my time in Spain will be well remembered and deeply cherished.