The Beginning

I departed my house at 4:30 AM this morning. My three closest friends stayed the night and I was able to hug them goodbye as I was leaving.

At first I was really nervous to fly alone for the first time. However, soon after I arrived in the Cedar Rapids airport, I realized it wasn't going to be very much stress at all. Both of my flights went smoothly. To my surprise, I managed to not even get lost in Chicago O'Hare. I successfully made it to the Marriott Hotel with the first shuttle I saw outside of Miami's International Airport.

My checked luggage weighed out to be 40.0 lbs... a dramatic contrast to some of the other travelers. A few even brought more than one suitcase. I'm content with what I have! (P.S. THANK YOU PLAUT FITZGERALD FAM FOR THE SUITCASE UPGRADE IF YOU'RE READING.)

I can already tell that this year is going to be a lot of me figuring out who I am and who I want to be. Being above the clouds in the airplane today gave me a small taste of how huge this world really is.

Finally, I arrived to meet with other AFS'ers at the hotel at about 1:00 PM. I ate a nice lunch and got to know some of the other kids. It's amazing how even though we're all from the United States we hold such distinct views and come from such different backgrounds. The kids here are mostly going to Brazil, but a small group is going to Paraguay and an even smaller group is heading to Chile. 

We've been doing a lot of ice breaker activities and chatting with each other. It's really easy to connect with the others and certainly a lot of fun. It's weird to think that a lot of this group, even some who are only 16 years old have traveled more than some adults ever have..or will. 

Tomorrow I'll wake up and eat a buffet breakfast here at the hotel. We have more team building activities, and a cultural session over Paraguay. After dinner we meet to go the airport at 7:00 PM. The Paraguayan flight leaves at 11:45 PM and our arrival time is expected to be around 7:00 AM. I hope I can sleep that one through!

Buenas Noches Miami!

Haciendo Las Maletas

Eight short days until my departure! 

I am amazed that the dream is finally here.

The wealth and diversity of emotions consuming me is incredible. 

10 Days

Hola todos!

I leave for Miami to meet with the other AFSer's going to PY in 10 days. On August 1st, I'll be heading to Asuncion for a two day orientation. My host mother told me that I'll be staying with one of my host sisters or brother in Asuncion for a couple of days and that I will arrive in Pilar, my small city, by the fifth of August. I am so excited to meet all of them and to get acquainted with all of my new surroundings.

Time has been flying as I try to prepare my suitcase and gather gifts for my host family.
It's safe to say that saying goodbye to my family, friends, boyfriend, and rock band is the hardest thing I've ever done. At the same time, I've never been so excited for such an adventure.

See you soon, Paraguay.