In the Meantime

In preparation for the next Rotary orientation, which is in exactly one week, I am supposed to complete several “homework” assignments. I must admit, I wasn’t happy that we were given homework for this. The homework includes a 24 page packet of words and phrases to translate into our foreign language. We are also supposed to complete a quiz on a book we recently read. The book was basically a survival kit for foreign exchange students. It was a good read, I did learn some things. Unfortunately, I’ve misplaced the quiz… so I’ll need to find that, and soon.

The vocabulary packet, which I have not finished as of yet, isn’t extremely helpful because I find myself copying mindlessly, but it does have advantages. What I do is, I read the word in the dictionary to myself, write it down, and pronounce it. That helps me get used to the language and the sounds of letters, etc.

I must admit that I’m starting to get a little worried about leaving. I have a lot going on right now, such as track and learning music for an opera. So life is a little stressful, and adding rotary stuff and learning Polish just adds to the load. I am excited, of course, but I think I am just overwhelmed at this point. As I mentioned before, I am singing in an opera this summer, and the departure date that is scheduled for Poland outbounds is one day before my last performance. I know it’s required to leave with a group, but I’m going to see if I can get the date changed or leave later.

Also, things are sent and arrive very slowly in this process. I received news of my host club and host counselor only about a month ago, and nothing has happened since then. I did register with the health insurance company and they have sent me the required forms that they give out. I have to complete them by June 11th, but I assume that will sneak up on me so I’m going to start them soon. Some parts of the form I can’t complete because I don’t have my guarantee form from Poland. The insurance company will fill those parts in when the guarantee form arrives. I won’t actually ever see the form, it will be sent directly to the company.

So I was a little incoherent today but I guess that’s part of the process. Haha. In a week I’ll attend the third orientation which is for students only. A week after that I’ll attend a three day orientation (day and night) at a hotel. I’ll get to meet the Polish inbounds to our district (I am already in contact with one, we’ve been emailing for several months). I assume I will be in touch sometime next week.

Some Sad Feelings

Last weekend my school put on its Spring Musical, Grease. I was Sandy, and I had a lot of fun. On the last night of the show, our director traditionally recognizes seniors with roses and hugs. The guy who played Danny in the musical took the microphone from the director when she was finished and mentioned to the audience that this was to be my last show, too. He said “I just want you let you know that she won’t be coming back to high school next year, so this is her last time on this stage too.” He didn’t tell everyone my plans for after I return from Poland, for I’m not sure of them myself. I’m a sophomore right now so I’ll be a senior when I return, but I’m not planning on going back to high school. Still, it was sad to hear that. I’m not sure I was ready to hear that this was my last play.

He, being a senior, and I stayed after the show for a while just to hang out in the auditorium. We didn’t really want to leave. The fact that I have four months left on this continent before I leave is just a little bit scary. It’s really starting to sink in. I realized how much I would miss my sisters (boy, I never thought I’d say that) and some other things as well. Don’t get me wrong, I’m psyched to go, I simply cannot wait. But naturally, I’m a little nervous, and a little sad sometimes. I’m also sad the show is over .

Hearing the news of my year abroad was the first time for a lot of people who were at the show. I had a lot of people talk to me about it after. Everyone is really supportive but curious to as to why my parents let such a young girl go away for a year!!! But I think if I wasn’t ready they wouldn’t let me. So anyway, yes it is April. I’m to leave at the end of August….? So that means… yes, only 4 more months! Yikes! I better get studying some Polish!

Right now, I’m still set to go to Wroclaw, Poland. One of my friends is still set to go to Thailand (though I’m not sure where) and my other friend is supposed to be receiving news of another opening country any day now. The next orientation is at the end of the month.