And so it begins...

In high school, student council was one of two loves of my life (the other being horseback riding). Around this time during the summer, I would be preparing to head off to Stonehill College for the MA Association of Student Councils Summer Leadership Conference, a camp where one of their favorite sayings was "don't ANticipate, PARticipate." Though I like to think student council taught me a lot of enduring lessons that stick with me to this day, my preparations for Australia have shown me loud and clear that I failed at taking this one to heart. Whether I was anxious about getting all of my paperwork submitted, freaking out about leaving Vandy and the wonderful people there in May, or hanging out at home the past few days wondering what could possibly be waiting for me "Down Under," I have been anticipating this semester abroad for months. But here I sit, early in the morning on July 9, and the day to start participating has finally arrived. I honestly don't think I've ever been more nervous or excited in my life.

Back tracking for a second. A lot of people have been asking, why Australia? And to be totally frank, I'm not sure. I've wanted to visit this country since I was in middle school, and I really think half the reason is because of the accent...is that bad? Either way, as I progressed through high school and college, the interest persisted. I remember asking advisors during college visits about their programs abroad in Australia, and as I completed the application process this spring there was no doubt in my mind that this country was it. For some reason I definitely don't understand yet, God's asking me to travel 10,000 miles from home, by myself, for what will no doubt be the most incredible adventure I've had so far. While I'm absolutely feeling the butterflies, I also know all I have to do is trust Him. Let's be serious, He brought me to Vanderbilt, and I fell in love; I'm sure the story will be similar at the University of Queensland.

If you know me well, you know I'm a sucker for quotes. I have a post-it note taped to my light switch that reads "Do one thing every day that scares you. -Eleanor Roosevelt." Today, that thing will be boarding a plane bound for Sydney. Though the 15 hour flight is definitely daunting, it's the four and a half months that lie ahead that are more frightening to me. Not because I think they'll be bad - in fact, I think they'll be fantastic - but because they are so unknown. If you know me well, you also know that I'm not good at not knowing things. Well, student council, you win. Anticipation has had its chance, but today it's time to immerse myself totally in all that is Aussie...well, not so much today as two days from now, when the plane finally lands in Sydney!! I'll be sending y'all love all the way there!!