twelve

I'm stepping forward

into a world unknown 

in a new direction

onto foreign soil

Europe will challenge me-- in how I view the world, Who I seek first in times of distress, how I adapt to the unknown. I will welcome change with open arms, as it would be a shame to come home the same person as when I left. Come, join me on my adventure and see how God uses my study abroad experience for His glory. 

the first steps...

1) LET GO

--Iowa State University, comfort, friends, mentors, favorite cafes, Larch residents, my bed

2) REST

--eat, sleep, cook, wander, pray, listen

3) CRY
--I'm scared, excited, anxious, and unprepared, but that's okay. It'll be okay. 

4) READ

--Scripture, study abroad handbooks, all those emails that crowd my inbox

5) LAUGH
--with friends, family, and residents (I'll be in Ames January 9-13, 2012)

6) PLAYLISTS

--must be strategic and well-planned, covering multiple genres

7) EAT
--pumpkin pie, sour patch kids, Cafe Diem's black bean burgers-- ya know, American food?

8) RESEARCH
--countries to travel, sights to see, books to bring, how to fight motion sickness

9) EMPTY CAMERA
--y'all better be prepared for photos and videos!

10) SET GOALS
--I want to strive for big things, enjoy the little things, and try the weird things!

11) PACK
--toothbrush, books, chapstick, bandaids

12) HUGS
--goodbye hugs to friends and family, hello hugs to Spanish host family!