Hello everyone!

I will be going to Australia for a 4 week program. While there I will be visiting places like North Stradbroke Island, Binna Burra Eco Lodge in Lamington National Park, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, and so much more. I am very relieved that I will be going to an English speaking country! At this point I am so nervous even English may not come out right. I have been checking the weather for probably the last two months and it seems to be in the mid 60s- 70s, so nothing I am not used to. I think interacting will be a little different than here because I will be in a different country with different customs and people I am not used to. I do not think I will have a lot of problems because I think I can adjust quickly and well, but it will be an adventure for sure. Since I can remember I have wanted to travel to Australia and their culture. I have always seen it as warm and sunny with a lot of poisonous snakes. I am not sure it will be “perfect” but I know that it will be amazing.

Right now, I am still in Monmouth waiting to head to my mom’s house and then PDX to start my long journey. I will be flying out of Portland on the 12^th and arriving in Brisbane, Australia the 14th! It is all starting to sink in that I am actually leaving. Right now, I am wrapping up last minute details and waiting. It seems like I have been waiting for forever. I have never been outside of the country, or really traveled much at all, so I getting more nervous by the minute. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard from other people what a great experience I will have or how lucky I am. I have to agree with them, I am very grateful to be getting this amazing opportunity, but I am still scared. I am not sure if I have ever been this nervous for anything and it is hard to explain how I feel because there is a lot going on around me. Right now, I am trying to not think about my nerves and think about how much fun I will be having in just a few short days =)  Katherine