Life Long Friendships?

Hey y'all!

It's getting so real. I haven't counted the days lately, but it's something like a month and a half. Time flies! I have so much to do. Pack, clean, pray for my passport to be on time, and most importantly, say goodbye to those who I care deeply about. That's something that has been on my mind. High school is over. How many of these people am I going to stay in contact with? It's a stepping stone I suppose. What's meant to be will be.

That's probably the least of my worries though. A few days ago a friend of mine from Germany had an accident and needed to go to the hospital. Luckily he's just fine. It really got me to thinking though. How will I be able to handle a similar situation with my family? If it's more serious, I cannot even fathom how that will be. It's a difficult thing to deal with, but this will be a wonderful life changing experience that will help me grow as a person.

I'm really looking forward to meeting my American amigos, my host family and seeing my German friends again. It's nerve-racking that other people have gotten itineraries and such and I have yet to do so. Oh well.

My summer vacation is treating me very well. I started with a trip to Seattle, where I met one of my CBYX friends, Patty (See Photo). It was so cool! She's a wonderful, nice person and I cannot wait to see her again in DC. I visited the Space Needle and had excellent seafood. It was marvelous. Lovely to spend time with my daddy too. It was a great start to the vacation.

The morning after we got back, it was work time. I work at the Holiday Inn cleaning rooms. It's a nice job, it makes me really excited to travel. I don't want to do it forever, but it's perfect for the summer. Today was my day off, and I spent it talking to friends and relaxing, splendid day overall. Soon I'll get serious about preparation, as I have a tendency to procrastinate, the latest I start will be 01.07.10.

Bottom line: It is a great summer, and I cannot wait for Germany.

Thanks for reading!

Let the fun begin!

Today I had a crazy realization. Time is flying by. It seems like only yesterday that it was March and I found out I was going to Germany, then promptly began jumping up and down like a leprechaun on a pogo stick! Tomorrow I graduate, and while my peers get their college schedules and prepare to go on, I'll be off to Germany. I have yet to feel a twinge of regret. This will be a life changing experience for me, and I cannot wait to begin. Tomorrow, I will hopefully apply for my next passport, which is my key to Europe, literally. Speaking of traveling, Wednesday I found out that my sister and I may be traveling to Oktoberfest. As in, THE Oktoberfest. It would be an incredible insight into German culture, and yet another dream of mine taken off the list. Overall, it should be an incredible journey. I know it won't always a bed of roses, but I have prepared for that too. In any event, I get more excited by the day! OH! I haven't even shared my awesome realization yet! Here goes:

• Two work, fun, relaxed months until D.C. and then Hamburg.
• Three months until I meet/move in with my host family.
• Four months until Oktoberfest.
• Six months until my 18th birthday!

It made my day to realize how much life lies ahead of me. Even as I feel sad about saying goodbye to those teachers, peers, and friends I love so dearly, it reminds me of how blessed I truly am.

Thanks for reading!