As scared as I am about leaving the States to a country where I wouldn’t be able to communicate as well, I am also really excited. Russia would be the first time since KS where I experience snow, frost and cold; I’m going for ten months. Certainly, I want to graduate college in 2015 with my buddies. However, this is a once in a life-time opportunity I simply cannot pass up.

I should give this a try. I want to come out of this experience with more introspect, language skills and cultural awareness. Maybe I could mellow out a bit instead of being that hyper, perky, giggly girl. I haven’t lived abroad before, but I’m going to learn about the Russian language and culture in a host family’s home soon. There’s going to be an intensive 20 hours of language instruction each week while I attend a secondary school there too.

I admit, it’s not going to be vacation, but it’s going to be a chance to learn and test my limits. I’ll probably cry sometimes or get homesick, but all this will make me a stronger person. In the meanwhile, audiotapes and reading expat blogs on Russia will hopefully prepare me to tackle this challenge!

With much love, Kathy P.