Hello everyone :)
In less then 48 hours I'll be up, up, and away...
I'm visiting a friend from school in Boston for the weekend, and then I'm off to France to study for the year. It still hasn't completely sunk in, to be honest, or I don't know what kind of mental state I'd be in right now. As in any situation with a deadline, I've been putting things like cleaning my room and putting this blog together off to the last minute -- there's no craft I've perfected more than the art of procrastination (coping mechanism?). A part of me, at least, is aware that I'm leaving: part of said procrastination involves the simultaneous readings of three separate books on French and French culture, depending on which one I'm closer to when faced with a less appealing task. Each is full of different potential cultural misunderstandings or linguistic blunders.
Everyone's favorite question for me right now is, "Are you excited?!" I think, judging by their disappointment following my uncertain pause, that most of them are expecting an immediate and enthusiastic affirmative --but it's a complicated question. Yes. No. Sort of. The best ways I can explain how I'm feeling are that a) I've been planning on and working for this for a long long time and there are still things that need to be done to occupy my mind, and b) I know full well that it's going to be hard for me -- at least parts of it. It's hard for me to be giddy and excited when I know that it will be challenging as well as wonderful and fun. I don't know anyone going. I haven't spoken any French for three months, and next week I'm moving in with a French family and soon after will be starting classes, all in French, all in a culture more foreign than many people realize. However, I think I'm just about as ready as I'll ever be, and I know that I want (and have always wanted) to do this. I'm excited. I'm scared. I'm nervous.
I'm going.
I'm going to do my best to keep this updated with pictures and stories to let you all know how I'm doing. Keep in touch!
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4 comments:
Well, I'm excited FOR you, and I know you'll have the time of your life :) Can't wait to hear about your travels! Keep us updated and be safe!
~Tara Castro
ditto to tara, can't wait to read about your adventures. You're much braver than I, go and experience France to the fullest!
~David Lew
Hey Lindsay, I got your blogspot from Facebook...hooray for the Nantes group! I just wanted to say that in reading your entry, I'm facing a lot of the same things you are -though everyone keeps asking me "are you ready?"...whatever that's supposed to mean! I'm looking forward to meeting you and the rest of our IES class =)
~another Lindsay G
I check your blog multiple times a day to see if you've updated since you left for France. I need updates!!!! I miss you already Linds. I'm praying for you daily and hoping you are having a wonderful time.
Hope to talk with you soon,
Chanel
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