Hola todos,
Wow – I can’t believe I leave for Costa Rica in two days. As nervous as I am leaving America for 4 months, I can’t begin to explain how excited I am to live and experience the country. I just learned a little bit more about my host family (and even got to see a little picture of them!), and their smiling, inviting faces have made my trip feel more “real” than ever before. They even love to sing and listen to music, so you can be sure I’ll be learning some Spanish songs with them :).
I’ve already begun preparing for my trip. I got my typhoid vaccine yesterday, which threw me into an unexpected episode of extreme tiredness (update: it luckily has subsided today). I had to get a new suitcase because the one I brought home with me from Minnesota broke. I’m running to the dentist today since my 6-month check-up would have been while I was away. I had to notify the banks of my abroad so I don’t get fraudulent charges on my account. I had to order miscellaneous items (like a pair of hiking pants) because I won’t be able to have packages shipped to me once I arrive.
I mention all of these tasks above because I’ve already been humbled by how much preparation/work it takes when living internationally for an extended period of time. I think about the other expats like me and wonder what their experiences were like packing for their adventure. I also think about the millions of people forced to immigrate internationally for various reasons and how taxing that transition to their new country must have been.
To be frank, I write this journal entry both extremely excited and somewhat scared about what’s to come. I also feel this deep sense of gratitude that I have the privilege to study abroad at all. I want to specifically shoutout my parents and grandparents for helping me afford this trip and making it possible. And I also want to say thank you to whoever reads this for following along with me – your support and love means the world.
You can expect a blog update roughly once per week – it will greatly depend on how much free time I have once I get settled. Until next time, ¡adios!
It was so wonderful having you home for a few weeks over Christmas and our time together reminded me again that I’m truly honored to be your Dad. Have an amazing adventure it’s going to be awesome and remember your Mom and I are extremely proud of you! Study hard and more importantly HAVE FUN!
So happy for you and excited for the adventure that awaits you! I look forward to following along and hearing about your experience. Soak it all in, stay flexible, and enjoy every minute! Sending you lots of happy thoughts and well wishes!
Thank you Clay for setting up your blog.
I am so interested in reading about your experiences in Costa Rico over the next three months.
Adios ❤️
Jacquie
Love it Clay! We’re BEYOND excited for you and for your new adventure. We’ll miss you, but can’t wait to see how you grow and flourish.