It might seem to be a little soon for a goodbye post, but I think that I want to write about the things that as of right now I think I will miss when I am gone: (these are in no particular order, just writing as I think of them)
1. My best friend. -I don't know if you read this, but I wanted to say thank you for supporting me through all of this, I know that this coming year will be really hard, but we will make it through:) You're the best friend I could ask for, and we have been best friends for what seems like forever (4 years now?), knew you since kindergarten! Thank you
2. My parents. -I couldn't ask for better parents, thank you for allowing me to follow my dreams by letting me go to Italy this year. Thank you for encouraging my decision to go, and not questioning it. I love you both so much. I will miss you guys more than you will ever know.
3. Brother. -Haven't talked in a while, but I will still miss you like crazy. Already do.
4. Big Mac:). -Best dog in the world.
5. DRIVING.-I just got my license (3?) weeks ago, and now I am going to lose that privilege in less than 3 months. Kind of sucks.
6. My bed. -I know that seems weird, but I really will miss it.
7. Understanding. -Although I have been practicing Rosetta Stone, I'm afraid that I won't be able to understand half (or more..) of what will be said to me, my first few months.
I guess I don't really know how much I will miss this, because I have never been forced into a situation where I can't understand what is being said to me. I know it will be hard, heard it will be hard, but I'm not sure HOW hard.
8. Speaking. -For those of you who know me, you know I like to talk. A lot.
That's all I could think of for the moment, but I will probably think of more. I'll write them down in posts to come!
P.S. Visa process=worse than AFS application. At the moment I am super frustrated, but still working on it.
Arrivederci-
Rachael
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
When September Comes.
So about a week ago, I received my travel logistics!
This is all so crazy, I can't believe it.
In about 3 months, I will be heading to New York (For the first time ever!) and shortly after, flying to ROME♥.
I guess I don't really have much to write.. I have been talking to my host sister, but still haven't heard from my host parents. My host sister seems really really nice, but unfortunately won't be in Italy while I am. She is going to Honduras with AFS too! Which is really cool, but it is kind of sad, because her and I get along really well! I will write more when I know more!
Thank you everyone who has supported me by the way:)
Arrivederci,
Rachael
This is all so crazy, I can't believe it.
In about 3 months, I will be heading to New York (For the first time ever!) and shortly after, flying to ROME♥.
I guess I don't really have much to write.. I have been talking to my host sister, but still haven't heard from my host parents. My host sister seems really really nice, but unfortunately won't be in Italy while I am. She is going to Honduras with AFS too! Which is really cool, but it is kind of sad, because her and I get along really well! I will write more when I know more!
Thank you everyone who has supported me by the way:)
Arrivederci,
Rachael
Monday, May 14, 2012
Ciao Famiglia!
(Thank you Nicole for the inspiration for the name of the post)
I GOT MY HOST FAMILY TODAY! I am so happy right now. I can't even begin to describe.
I have a dad named Pietro, a mom named Maria Grazia, two sisters named Giulia and Olga (ages 22 and 16), and a brother named Enrico (aged 17 or 18). And TWO dogs! I think that will be perfect, because I have a dog named Mac, that I will miss with all my heart while I am gone, and now I will have two dogs to play with!
It is on the beautiful island of Sardinia, in a town called Ilbono.
(Thank you Wikipedia for the picture)
(And Google)
It is a small town of between 2000 and 5000 people.
It is PERFECT. I love it already.
I have emailed my family, and am (im)patiently awaiting a response.
Yet again, I received this information during my second period English class. My mom texted me "You got your Italy placement. Log onto your email." Which immediately was followed by me kidnapping my friend's phone, and learning everything I could about Ilbono Italy.
More will come soon-
Arrivederci,
Rachael
I GOT MY HOST FAMILY TODAY! I am so happy right now. I can't even begin to describe.
I have a dad named Pietro, a mom named Maria Grazia, two sisters named Giulia and Olga (ages 22 and 16), and a brother named Enrico (aged 17 or 18). And TWO dogs! I think that will be perfect, because I have a dog named Mac, that I will miss with all my heart while I am gone, and now I will have two dogs to play with!
It is on the beautiful island of Sardinia, in a town called Ilbono.
(Thank you Wikipedia for the picture)
(And Google)
It is a small town of between 2000 and 5000 people.
It is PERFECT. I love it already.
I have emailed my family, and am (im)patiently awaiting a response.
Yet again, I received this information during my second period English class. My mom texted me "You got your Italy placement. Log onto your email." Which immediately was followed by me kidnapping my friend's phone, and learning everything I could about Ilbono Italy.
More will come soon-
Arrivederci,
Rachael
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Be Calm.
Hello:)
It has been a while since I last posted, because of lack of news. Almost less than a hundred days, weird>>>>>
Recently an AFS volunteer in Italy has told our facebook Italy 2012-2013 group that there are officially 470 students going to Italy. And then she let us know that 200 students have been placed.
Me? I wish I could say I was one of them. But, all in good time, I guess!
There has been so much going on lately, that it has left me little to no time to think about the lack of news. Last week, I met my HERO, Christofer Drew, he is the main guy in the band NeverShoutNever. I have around 11 days of school left (Thank goodness!!!). And I have been travelling so much, it feels weird to be constantly at home.
So no news for now, but as soon as I have some, I will post! Maybe I will get my host family and placement soon? I know I say it a lot, but crossed fingers!
It has been a while since I last posted, because of lack of news. Almost less than a hundred days, weird>>>>>
Recently an AFS volunteer in Italy has told our facebook Italy 2012-2013 group that there are officially 470 students going to Italy. And then she let us know that 200 students have been placed.
Me? I wish I could say I was one of them. But, all in good time, I guess!
There has been so much going on lately, that it has left me little to no time to think about the lack of news. Last week, I met my HERO, Christofer Drew, he is the main guy in the band NeverShoutNever. I have around 11 days of school left (Thank goodness!!!). And I have been travelling so much, it feels weird to be constantly at home.
So no news for now, but as soon as I have some, I will post! Maybe I will get my host family and placement soon? I know I say it a lot, but crossed fingers!
P.S. I have been working on Italian as much as I can:) And applying for jobs to raise spending money.
Arrivederci
Rachael
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A German Experience.
Hey all,
So, I haven't posted for a while, but I have really been meaning to.
For the past 3 weeks, I have been hosting a German exchange student through a program at my school. It was a short program (She left earlier this morning), but I think that it was a great experience to have. It kind of gave me an inside look on what the first couple weeks would be like.
The first night after picking her up from the airport, I'll admit was pretty awkward. But the two days after that we did quite a few activities, so we got over it. I am so glad that I did it.
So, if any of you readers have the chance to host a student, no matter for how short or long, I would definitely say: do it. It shows you another culture, and if you are an exchanger, it helps show you what it will be like to step in a whole new place.
Italy:
No new news, but a volunteer from Italy told us that most students get their host families in June for Italy. And that there are normally more host families than students, so not to worry. But I am worried. I can't help it. I really want to know my placement, and my host family.
Fingers crossed for sometime soon!
Arrividerci,
Rachael
p.s. I got ALL of my fundraising done (raised $$8,390.00) so thank you to everyone who donated! Even though it doesn't show up on my "ChipIn", people sent checks. I am so grateful for all of you.
Love you all... CIAO
So, I haven't posted for a while, but I have really been meaning to.
For the past 3 weeks, I have been hosting a German exchange student through a program at my school. It was a short program (She left earlier this morning), but I think that it was a great experience to have. It kind of gave me an inside look on what the first couple weeks would be like.
The first night after picking her up from the airport, I'll admit was pretty awkward. But the two days after that we did quite a few activities, so we got over it. I am so glad that I did it.
So, if any of you readers have the chance to host a student, no matter for how short or long, I would definitely say: do it. It shows you another culture, and if you are an exchanger, it helps show you what it will be like to step in a whole new place.
Italy:
No new news, but a volunteer from Italy told us that most students get their host families in June for Italy. And that there are normally more host families than students, so not to worry. But I am worried. I can't help it. I really want to know my placement, and my host family.
Fingers crossed for sometime soon!
Arrividerci,
Rachael
p.s. I got ALL of my fundraising done (raised $$8,390.00) so thank you to everyone who donated! Even though it doesn't show up on my "ChipIn", people sent checks. I am so grateful for all of you.
Love you all... CIAO
Sunday, March 18, 2012
From the Mail-
Hi!
I am kind of copying Nicole's idea, but I thought it was a good one!
Look what I got in the Mail:
I am kind of copying Nicole's idea, but I thought it was a good one!
Look what I got in the Mail:
Thank's for the idea Nicole:)
This guide just kind of tells about the whole experience and helps you through it. Helps you get ready for it. It describes the different orientations and what the next "steps" are.
Arrivederci-
Rachael
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Italy? Italy!
Well Hello There!
Today was amazing.
So, I was sitting in second period, watching a horrible and boring movie when I receive a text from my Mom. (Good influence, texting me during class). It says: "You have been accepted to Italy!!!!!!". I almost screamed. In the process of trying to stop myself from screaming, I kind of let out a little squeal. So I got quite a few odd looks, but I DON'T CARE! I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO ITALY.
I am so happy right now. The weather is warm. My birthday is in exactly 1 week. And I have 171 days until I leave for (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I feel so amazing right now. Now, all I have to wait for is my host family, the visa process, and time to leave! (September 2nd, give or take).
Thank you to all who have donated and supported me going to Italy! It doesn't show up on the "ChipIn" button, because my family and friends have sent me checks. But thank you everyone.
Arrivederci,
Rachael
Today was amazing.
So, I was sitting in second period, watching a horrible and boring movie when I receive a text from my Mom. (Good influence, texting me during class). It says: "You have been accepted to Italy!!!!!!". I almost screamed. In the process of trying to stop myself from screaming, I kind of let out a little squeal. So I got quite a few odd looks, but I DON'T CARE! I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO ITALY.
I am so happy right now. The weather is warm. My birthday is in exactly 1 week. And I have 171 days until I leave for (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I feel so amazing right now. Now, all I have to wait for is my host family, the visa process, and time to leave! (September 2nd, give or take).
Thank you to all who have donated and supported me going to Italy! It doesn't show up on the "ChipIn" button, because my family and friends have sent me checks. But thank you everyone.
Arrivederci,
Rachael
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