Once in a lifetime...

I’m sitting at the airport wondering whether to cry because I’m so excited or cry because I’m so scared.

I leave for a study abroad in Italy in one hour.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and deep down I really am excited. Really.

Somewhere beneath the fear and anxiety, is a big, bright, cheerful ball of excitement. I’m just waiting for these 3 flights to go smoothly so that the sunshine can start breaking through the clouds.

I just keep reminding myself of all the reasons I decided to spend a semester in Italy. When the stress and anxiety start to rain on my parade, it helps to remember what inspired me to go on this adventure in the first place.

I want to broaden my horizons and see the world.

I want to be a part of something so big that I feel humbled and realize my utter insignificance.

I want to feel so small caught up in the hustle and bustle of such a big, famous city that I could practically melt into the background.

I want to live a life filled with memories that I’ll enjoy looking back on and look forward to sharing.

I want to be somewhere the culture and passion are so thick that I can practically grip it in my hands.

I want to gain an appreciation and understanding of God and his hand; to see the people and creations I have yet to see.

I want to create a story with risk and adventure and play an active role in every scene.

I want to take advantage of this time in my life when I have permission to be selfish and do things for myself.

I want to end this single chapter in my life with something worth remembering.

I want to experience.

I want to feel.

I want to live!

So, with that said… Here goes!

We are now boarding for Delta flight 2223 to Italy!

(Through Detroit, the #1 crime capital in the US, and Amsterdam, no less)

Ciao!