The countdown is quickly nearing 0...

     Common Day of Learning: An annual event in which all classes are canceled by the university and us students are encouraged to attend scholarly presentations throughout the day Let's just say to some or most, time is occupied doing other 'important' tasks. (Umm, Common Day of Beaching anyone?) However, this past March, I was eager to attend one of the scheduled seminars. The South Africa presentation. A group of nursing students who had studied abroad the past Fall in South Africa were presenting the experiences and lessons they encountered across the world. 

     I have dreamt about studying abroad since I was young and love to hear about the ventures of foreign travles. APU's program that offered nursing students the opportunity to study abroad to practice nursing and not have to take a semester off, was one of the main reasons I had decided to transfer to APU. 

     Two months before, I had turned in my application to study abroad for Fall 2010, so during the presentation my desire to taste the waters of Africa grew even more. These culminated at the point where the director of nursing told myself and the nine other girls that we would be going to South Africa! The girls and I were ecstatic but six months still sounded like so far away! Little did I know how quickly the time would fly. I woke up this morning and counted five days in between today and the day we leave on a plane for Africa! Yes, Africa! Just saying it still seems surreal, but yet, here I am packing bags for 3 1/2 months and deciding between things considered necessities and things considered luxuries (note: heels are a necessity, 3 or 4 pairs, probably not).

     As the countdown nears 0, I cannot help but be even more thankful for the opportunity I have. God has blessed my life with this opportunity to live a new culture, help the African people with my nursing care, and learn so much more than I could ever learn by staying in the US. I am traveling with some of the best nine girls I could ever ask for and cannot wait to experience everything with them! So as I set off, here are my goals, or a sort of eat pray love of Africa if you will...

1) Don't miss anything. 3 1/2 months may seem like a long time now, but I know it will fly by! Soooo...that means nap vs absolutely amazing cultural experience. Internet vs hike. I opt for Option B. Hold me to it. 

2) Stay organized. A group of wise women ;) once nicknamed my (somewhat exploding) suitcase the wall of China due to it's overwhelming mass. I've gotten better with age, but still something to be conscious of. So keep the homework organized, room cleaned, and purse neat.

3) Try everything. I've eaten menudo. After that I think I can handle anything, (Me gusto probarlo mi xuxu, pero no es mi taza de te.), so I'm trying all food, all activities, and all everything. I'm going bungey jumping and swimming with those sharks...

4) Remember Who made it all possible.