Less than a month to go; I'm so scared. I've never been this excited before, but I can say without a doubt that I've also never been so terrified. I'm really lucky that the kids in my class have been great so far. They have honestly reached out to me and made me feel like a part of their community before I've even entered their country. My first family, too, has been incredibly receptive to me, and to all my questions, even though the best adjective to describe my mastery of Danish is still, "horrendous."
The Calvin College retreat was last weekend, and I can't imagine having had a better time. The food was of questionable quality, but other than that, not only was the excursion to Grand Rapids informative, it was also a lot of fun. I met some great people; there were a few rebounds who I owe a lot (one from Poland, three from Denmark, one from Argentina, one from Brazil), an inbound or two that I really enjoyed having conversations with (one from Denmark and another from Belgium), and some outbounds who were just incredible (one going to France, one to Denmark, one to Turkey). I learned a lot, but even as I get more excited about leaving for Europe, I get more scared as well. There are so many horror stories of people who had terrible experiences, but an exponential amount more who have been ever-changed for the better by their exchange.
I am so ready, and so nervous. I hope I'm able to do this, but I guess it doesn't matter what I hope for; I don't have a choice. I have to be ready. It's going to change me, for better or worse, but it's all in what I make of it, and if I have my way, Scandinavia is going to be the setting for the best year of my life.
Que sera sera.
