Before it begins....antes de empezar

So, I've never blogged before, and I'm not so sure what to say. But currently, I have less than four weeks before I leave for Ecuador....a 15 week "trip." I can't even begin to express how I am going to miss my family and friends, my homes (in Vicksburg, and at Olivet), my dog, and being in control of my life. This is a huge step for me, and I can't say I take it all too willingly or confidently. I'm going to miss a whole semester of life in the United States. Who knows what will happen in that time (besides the fact that I'm going to miss the birth of my first nephew)!

However, I am trying to keep an open mind. I mean, hello...this is the chance of a lifetime. How many people really get the chance (and take it) to study abroad? I know I'm going to love it there. I've always loved the Spanish culture, language, and people. I will make so many new friends and learn so much. I will come back a changed person, a better person. And I know that as much as I will miss my friends and family, it will be worth it. I will be able to share so much when I come home with my family now, and my future family. The things I will see and learn in Ecuador will stay with me forever. And once it's over, I won't want to trade it for anything in the world. It's just all the preparation and goodbyes that are holding me back. I've already said my first round of goodbyes to people at school. Most of them I will not see again until August.

Right now, I am doing my best just to cherish this month I have at home with my family and best friend Steph. I want to have this time, so that I will have good memories to hold on to in Ecuador (not that I don't have enough already). My time here at home is so short, I just want to make the most of it.

All I need right now is prayer....please pray for me to be strong enough to last 15 weeks in Ecuador...and not just so that I'm barely holding on, but having the time of my life. Please pray for my homesickness to not ruin my time there. Also, pray for my preparation before leaving...that I will prepare mentally and emotionally sufficiently and in the right way. Who knows what will happen between right now and May 2 when I fly home from Ecuador!

God bless,
Amy Jo