Time flies...

when you're preparing for a semester abroad! I thought I'd make a blog so everyone could follow my adventures through Seville this spring. I'll try and keep it updated as regularly as I can (no promises though), and post about all of the traveling, classes, and crazy adventures I'm having.

Planning this trip was a whole semester in the making (a few years if you count my wishful thinking and dreaming). I applied and was accepted to the program in the end of October, and since then it's been a whirlwind of paperwork, legal forms (mom and I made a trip to Chicago just for one part of the paperwork, but that story is worth a whole other post, at least), and jitters. Truman helped me the best that they could (my program is run out of a school in Florida, so it was a lot of emailing, mailing, and working via the study abroad office and Truman). Now that everything has been finalized and paid, it seems so much more real! The month at home I have off now has been much needed though.

As excited as I am, I really will miss Truman while I'm gone. I've had some amazing times up at school. I've made some incredible friends and have memories that will last a lifetime. 

APO was one the of the best decisions I made at Truman.

Also, I love Truman's campus. To me, it's one of most beautiful campuses there is. Red brick pathways, a grassy quad, trees everywhere. To me, it's just what a campus is supposed to look like. Wouldn't you agree?

Anyway, ever since I got home from school 3 weeks ago, it's been a blur of holiday madness, mixed with getting everything ready, saying goodbyes, etc. Luckily, I had Joey to help me with a lot of things. Since I was living in the dorms for the fall, I had to move EVERYTHING out of my dorm in case my roommates get someone new in the room. You really don't know how hard it to move everything you have until you have to do it. Anyway, I finished my finals on Friday, Mom and Dad came up to meet me, and we moved everything home. We had my dad's truck and Joey's truck to help move everything home.

 Joey stayed with us for a few days then headed home to Washington, only after getting another taste of St. Joe. Christmas break was also full of family and good food. I got to pick Kate and the kids up at the airport and spend a lot of great time with Lucy and Ellie. Christmas came and passed, and was another good holiday season. Here's a couple of pics to sum my wonderful holiday season and family.

Me with Kate, Ellie, Mom and Kevo

Ellie and I sure bonded this break. She'll always be my baby.

Our usual family picture after mass (we missed you Mary!)

After a great break at home, I was able to go to Washington to visit Joey. I left on Saturday and had a nice couple days with his family. We spent Sunday with his Nana and lots of family for their Christmas party. We spent time talking, playing cards, and just getting to know one another. Everyone was very welcoming and I'm excited to get to see them all again. Joey and I also got to spend New Years with a lot of our friends from school. Since then, we've been to the zoo, the history museum, spent time with Joey's brothers and sisters-in-law, and I'll head back home tomorrow.

Once back home, the madness kicks into high gear as I get ready to go to Spain. I have my visa, my plane ticket, now, I have to pack. How is a girl supposed to live off of two suitcases for 4 months. TWO SUITCASES I TELL YA! It will definitely be a learning experience. Over the past week, I've been receiving emails telling my about my host family, the food in Spain, arrival info, etc. As of now, I know I am living in a very nice house with a woman named Ana and her family. I am very excited to get to meet them, and I even have a nice present (thanks mom) to give to them. I have one roommate, and hopefully, we'll become good friends, walk to class together, travel together, and just make the most of out time there. 

When I arrive, there will be 60 degree weather and a big adventure that greets me! Wish me luck! 

Adios for now