(It WAS 18 hours when I wrote this!)
Well, I have officially left home! After a couple of weeks of “goodbye-for-nows” to my wonderful friends and coworkers, I said goodbye to my house and Lucy (that’s my car) this morning, and I’m currently in the backseat of my mom’s car on the way to Minneapolis. My Dad, Christine, and Brandyn are coming to send me off as well. We’ll be staying in a hotel tonight and getting up real early for my flight to Quito in the morning.
I am trying to think of ways to describe the way I am feeling right now, but it is nearly impossible! It seems like my emotions are constantly changing. For the past week I’ve been in this pre-departure zone of disbelief, nervousness, excitement, apprehension, and anxiousness. I don’t think I’ve ever felt a combination of so many emotions at such intensity, EVER. It’s definitely an indescribable feeling. I feel like I have been telling people about my trip to Ecuador for so long that I began to think that departure day would never come. It still has not hit me that I am actually doing this, and I probably will not realize it until I arrive there.
I am super excited to meet the wonderful people that will be in Ecuador with me. I am looking forward to meeting my host family. I cannot wait to finally see the country that I have been admiring through photos. I am excited to hear and to speak Spanish. I’ve got to be honest though, one of my largest apprehensions is the language. I am confident in my ability to communicate in Spanish – but it is a bit different to talk to a native speaker than to another person in my Spanish class. Of course, it’s always a little nerve-wracking to step outside of my comfort zone, and I am going to miss my family and friends a looooot. Despite all of my worries and apprehensions, I know that this is going to be an amazing experience, and I truly do feel ready (as ready as I’m going to be!) I am ready to love every moment of my time in Ecuador, to grow, to learn, and to have the time of my life.
I will do my best to keep you all posted!
I have posted my mailing address in Ecuador, but I think the most reliable form of communication is going to be through e-mail – and I’d love to hear from you!
Love and God Bless!
Jessica :o)
12 comments:
have a blast! i can't wait to hear stories about it.
You are correct my beautiful daughter, words cannot describe the feeling of this moment. I am super proud of you and I love you with all that I have. Be safe and I too will be counting the days until Decmeber 13th.
Jessica,
Like you, I too have difficulty in expressing some of the emotion I feel. It was seven hours or so ago that we sent you off and I can't help but think about how the trip is going and what you are doing. Simply know that I am thinking about you and wish you the experience of a lifetime. I look forward to keeping in touch in any manner I can. Stay safe. "Smile" as you imagine the journey you are about to take. Love you always. Dad
I miss you so much already!
I love you! :)
-Justine-
Hello?? I love you....let me know what I need to send, I found a spanish book in my car, do you need it?
Hi Jessica, of course I am waiting for you to call me but I know you would if you could. I was totally not prepared for this, shame on me. Your dad is looking on ebay to find you a laptop. I hope that you are smiling and are making freinds already. I cannot wait to hear about your host family and your room. All my love for now :)
Jessica!
So glad you set up a blog...I can't wait to hear about your adventures. Go have the time of your life and enjoy every moment. Studying abroad was one of the greatest things I've ever done and I am so jealous that you are just starting your amazing journey! Have a blast!!
Sara
how was the flight bebe?
Hey Lady! I miss you so much already. I hope your flight(s) went well. Cant wait to hear all about it.
Ill be thinking of you.
I love you,
Brooke
jess-face. this is exciting, pictars and stories to come soon i hope? maybe emails and such things as well? hope your flight and everything went smoothly and you are enjoying yourself ! miss you.
Jennay
Hey babe I'm so excited for you that you finally are out there doing the ecuador thing! I miss you tons it is hard to believe that you are actually gone! Have a great time can't wait to hear from you! Much Love
JESSSSIIICAAA! how is ecuador!?! hope your having an awesome time! miss you girlie! <3 -- Alicia
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