Coming together or auf Deutsch Zusammenkommen:)

I can unofficially officially say yesterday was my last day in an American school! I am still waiting on graduation confirmation for Dr.Heasel. I went to work today bright and early at 9:30 today; which shouldn't have felt early. So much has got to get done before I go. I got my OFFICIAL ACCEPTANCE from AFS-Germany when I returned home from work today.

Hi Amy,   Congratulations! AFS-Germany has just accepted your application!

I am working so hard to make sure I get everything done before I leave. The puzzel pieces are just coming together. I will never be fully prepared for what I am getting into untill I get there. Once I get off my plane I will go to a three day orentation about the coulture that also gives us (the students) a chance to connect with people all across the world. It also will teach us one more time what we can and cannot do, how to deal with home sickness, and advice on how to enter into a whole new world.

I am starting my connection to Germany by labeling everything in my house in German. If anyone has anyother ideas I would love to hear them. I would also love to hear from you. Hope everyones summer is amazing:) viel Gluck und viel Spass.

The Adventure Begins

Thanks to the Speedwell Foundation, I am 3 months and 8 days away from my departure to Germany. The Speedwell Foundation presents 20 scholarships in the Lancaster/Lebanon area every year. A representative from AFS gave a presentation at my school in April about the program and the scholarship. This was enough to convince me to go.

After applying for the program and scholarship I began to realize the reality of the decison I had just made. It was scary when I suddenly realized that I had made a commitment to go across an ocean without telling anyone.

I have been taking German for three years. Originally my plan was to go to Switzerland. The one thing I decided then I would maintain while abroad was going to church regularly. When I included this in my application I was told I couldn't apply to Switzerland. However things do work out for the best! I am now on my way to Germany with a wonderful host family.

I am excited to see how the experience will benefit me in the long run. I am sad to have to leave my family a year earlier than we all planned, but I won't lie to them by saying I can't wait to go!