As I finished packing my suitcase for my semester abroad I reminisced over these past couple of months that I have been preparing for my trip. First of all, I am in awe at how the Lord brought me to this place; first going to Belmont Abbey and then a brief side conversation with the brother of the woman who manages study abroad at Franciscan University and the rest is history. Or my future, really.
So here begin's my travel blog! I'm so excited to be sharing with you all my experience traveling Europe!<< First off, this is everything I am bringing to Austria. My suitcase weighs 41.8lbs (successfully under the 44lb limit). My carry-on weighs 18.2lbs (successfully under the 22lb limit). And I'm praying that my precious little tote that screams, "American" passes as a personal item.
Here is a little bit of what to expect in my posts to come:
My adventures in Ireland! I'll be in Ireland a week prior to starting my semester in Gaming, Austria. I'll be attending a retreat led by Anne, the lay apostle, for three days and then I'll be freely wandering through my ancestor's homeland with a couple friends, new and old!
I don't have travel plans for the rest of the semester, other than planned school trips, but August 31st I venture into the world of academics. I'll be taking: Philosophical and Biblical Imagery in Literature, Christian Moral Principles, Philosophy of the Human Person, Christian Marriage, and Theology of Christ. You have no idea how excited I am for these classes. #nerdalert
Am I nervous you ask? Of course! I'm nervous because this will be my first time in Europe, my first time traveling pretty much independently. I'm going to a new school, and believe it or not I'm nervous because this is my first time checking bags on an airplane. I'm also going to be away from home, very far from home, for four months. As much as I try to deny the anxious feeling inside me, I admit that I am nervous. But I am also extremely, extremely excited. Belmont Abbey doesn't have a study abroad program like FUS or Dallas or Christendom. They just send, if they can afford it, approximately one student per semester to a program they are associated with or of the students choice. I feel very privileged to be one of the few Belmont Abbey students who will be traveling abroad. I feel unique and, well, just kind of cool, adventurous, and something I never describe myself as, independent. I know it is going to be challenging but "when we are weak we are strong"through Christ. I'm excited to be challenged, to be cultured, educated, and to make new friends.
May this wonderful, blessed summer come to a close and may the adventures of Fall 2012 begin!
I will be praying for all my readers and I ask, please, Pray for me! Blessings! St. Christopher, patron of travelers, Pray for us!
Food for thought: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
hey. it was really interesting to read your ideas on traveling abroad .thanks for the tips .
ReplyDeleteEducation in USA