6 Days Left! which equals lack of sleep and appetite

Tuesday, 7 July 2009 at 06:51 · Filed under Pre-Departure

I can’t believe I only have less than a week left in the US.  I am getting very excited and very anxious.  I realize that I really should have done more spanish practice throughout the summer here, but, as usual, well have a cramming session right before.  

While in the process of packing, I am, of course, multi-tasking: making many mental check-off lists of things to bring and do here and things to do there, mentally preparing myself for the culture shock and just trying to enjoy the American summer here.

They say that there is a process when adjusting to a new culture.  And I am definitely in the “Anticipating the Departure” part.  I am very anxious, so anxious that I am having problems sleeping and my appetite comes and goes. However, it is a good anxiety that I am feeling – of course.  They also say that before the experience my interior disposition will (or should) become aware, open, expecting transformation, and being affirmed while my external choices/behavior will include creating space, going to my deepest self, sharing my feelings with others and connecting with a mentor.  And I am definitely doing most of the above.

Of course, most of you that know me, know that I am an avid thinker: I am trying to mentally prepare myself for this 5 month adventure in Chile.  I can’t help but to think that things are changing.  I mean, they are always changing.  That is one thing I have learned through the past few years.  Whether you like it or not, time is never at a standstill, never static.  And this change that is about to occur for me will definitely be a positive progression.

However, I am afraid that as I am traveling and experiencing this new culture, the life – mainly the people – that I will be leaving behind will move on without me.  I suppose, I am moving on without them in a way, and that is just a part of growing up, becoming an adult.  However, it is rather scary.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am super excited to study and live in a new country, far way from the bubble of Notre Dame; however, that bubble has become my home for the past two years.  Now, I am off to another country in a different continent, where I will be living alone with a host family that does not speak english.  It is so thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time!!!

PS. I just found out where I am living in the fall (#mce_temp_url#):

Trinidad 269  Dpto.  21

Las Condes

Santiago

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Pre-Departure Thoughts: The Countdown has begun..

Tuesday, 30 June 2009 at 05:48 · Filed under Pre-Departure

Santiago, Chile…Five months…

As I reflect on my future study abroad experience, on what to bring and the many safety pre-cautions I will have to take, I decided it was best to capture these pre-departure thoughts in my blog while I was still in the United States.

The Countdown has begun officially (well it started the day I got accepted): 

• Twelve more days till I get on my 6:45 am flight to Miami.  
• Ten more days until I get my hair trimmed and relaxed
• Eight more days till I get my visa at the Chilean Consulate of LA.
• Five more days until the last American Holiday that I spend with my family
• One more day until my desperately needed teeth cleaning (haven’t had one in almost a year!)

And O MY!!!! I will be on the other side of the equator, in not just another country, but also another continent entirely where they all will speak Spanish and kiss each other on their cheeks when they meet and greet.  This will be in 13 days..

It still seems like a surreal dream of mine in the far off distance that will ultimately never be realized.  I remember it took my about 3 hours for it to register in my brain that I will be living in Santiago, Chile for five months..Apparently it still has yet to completely sink in even when people ask if I am excited or scared or ready.

I have no idea what to expect.  The more I think about it the more excited and scared I get..haha. And for me, I do not like to think about what things will be like in a different situation in the future because they never turn out the way you would expect.  So, I am going in with an open mind, focusing on the present, and just ready to live among the Chilenos down south.

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