I feel like I’m at that point on a roller coaster where your car is being pulled backwards - up and up and up. I can see what’s about to happen just in front of me and my heart is racing. I’m excited, yet scared enough to question why I got on in the first place. But I’ve been through this before and know that the ride will be over in what will feel like seconds. 

Only this is a new kind of adventure. One that will take me away from my loving Maryland home for four and a half months! I’m homesick and I haven’t even left. I want so bad to return from this trip with language skills far more advanced that where I’m at now. What am I feeling now a day before I leave? I have no idea. 

I’m going to exhale now, and try my best to take it all in.