Meeting the Inbound

Last week I was able to go to the airport and meet the Austrian inbound for my club as he got off the plane. The look on his face was a mix of happiness and immense confusion! It was interesting to see what it was like for him to step off a plane in a foreign country where no one speaks his language. I can only imagine what it will be like for me. His arrival only heightened my anxiety for when I leave. To be honest, I was fairly put out that his exchange had already started and here I was, still stuck in my home country. I know it is not the most mature way to look at it, but I can't help it! I'm just so excited and ready to set off on my own adventure. As excited as I am, the reality of what I'm about to do is starting to set in. Last night I dreamed that it was my last night in Alaska. I was terrified. In my dream I couldn't stop crying and I questioned actually going. When I woke up I had to remind myself that I still have 21 days until I leave. Even after the occasional self doubt, I am still 99.99% sure that this is something that I want and need to do. This might just be me but, I feel like there is an invisible boundary separating me from my friends who have already left for exchange. Just because they have already experienced what I'm waiting for. I don't feel like I can call myself an exchange student yet. That bothers me. It's like they're in a "club" that I can't join. I don't know, it's silly. It's something that a child in elementary school would think. Oh well, I will try to enjoy my last 22 days and attend as many Rotary functions as possible. Lukas, the Austrian inbound, and I made a pact that we would attempt to play in the Rotary softball game; neither of us know how to play. Wish us luck!