Oh my goodness! I cannot believe that there are 38 days left before I leave for South Africa! Can you believe it? I am vastly nervous yet immensely excited all at once! In fact, I had a dream about my trip today.

I dreamed that I flew a long way on a plane. Then I drove a long way before I reached my actual destination. Once I arrived at school in South Africa, I was shocked at how gorgeous the scenery appeared. I went to my room on campus and felt so relieved at the beautiful structure. I began to ponder about my family. I wanted to write to them and send them pictures already. I guess I missed them.

Well, before I could relax in my new room, an older unidentified woman got my attention. I did not know her but, she seemed to know me. Nonetheless, we went to the campus library together (remember this is a dream, and it is very discombobulated). At any rate, what was funny about the dream is that while the older woman and I walked to the library together, I told her that, "I could have driven here!" You know, "here" as in, all the way to South Africa! I was dead serious, and she started to laugh and said "well, to each his own."

Then it hit me, "wow this is really not my country!" I got a little uncomfortable and forced myself to wake up. As you can probably imagine, this will be my first time exiting the US of A. I know that I will be okay though. I have been working on paperwork for the past year and, I am still working on it in preparation for my unique study abroad experiences in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa from July 15 through Nov. 27. I have one great friend who is traveling with me, her name is Eunice. But she is studying in Durban.

Therefore, I am going to be by myself while on campus. I guess this is cool? Anyhow, I am still excited; my family is excited and nervous for me as well. Also, I ask that you guys keep me in your prayers, as my thoughts will be on you from time to time. I love you.