Christmas Time + Countdown

I officially have about 3 weeks till I leave on my flight Jan. 14th from Orlando Airport to Stockholm with a 4 hour layover in New York. I also will be at 2 different airports in New York: La Guardia and JFK. 

"Did not notice when I bought my ticket that it was two separate airports, but I figured I could take these 4 hours to go on a New York adventure...ride some taxis, eat a new york hot dog for lunch, and maybe even take a photo in Times Square. I guess I'll have to see..."

 

Also, GOOD NEWS! I received my Student Visa while I was away on vacation at Sanibel Island with the family! My dad texted me and told me the amazing news. That was a great day.  :)

Things left on my departure to do list:

-Re-vamp my ipod with new tunes and shows to keep me entertained on my 15 hour flight. ***Suggestions are VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!***

-Buy snow boots (Ugg type shoes that are waterproof and -20 degree proof)

-Print out photos of my loved ones so I can post them up in my Swedish home

-Get web cam for Skype (fingers crossed for a Christmas Present!)

-Spend as much time as possible with my family, friends, and amazing boyfriend

This time of year always makes me so happy but as the days fly by I am definitely feeling a mix of excitement and sadness. I am going to miss all my family and friends so much. In fact, I just counted it, and I will be missing 4 weddings while I am gone! But I just know God has a plan for me, and that my loved ones will be right there for me when I come home. That thought keeps my heart at peace, and makes me that much more amped for Sweden.

Locals canoeing the waterways of Stockholm

End of Fall...Spring is now starting to Bloom

I have officially COMPLETED my Fall 2010 Semester at UCF! My grades should be completely posted by next Friday.

Today I received a welcome package from Jonkoping that included a campus map, brochure, and candies! I am entirely in awe even when I hold foreign candies in my hand because these tiny treats make Sweden that much more real.

I am now set for 4 classes at Jonkoping: 

Swedish Language I, Swedish Language II, Internet and Web Design, and TV Production.

By the way, if you haven't seen the Swedish language lately, check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9TxlY79ZwI Its insane! What is so AMAZING about these courses is that I get to take them one at a time. No classes overlap, instead they are divided into weekly segments split up into 4 sections between Jan 28, 2011-June 15, 2011. This means I will have plenty of time to get to know Swedish strangers, travel, paint, exercise, pray, and just take in this entire experience God has made possible. :)

The Suspense is KILLING ME!

Ok, so heres the deal folks...I am officially 41 days away from hoping on a plane and landing in my new home country for more than half a year, Jonkoping, Sweden. And It is KILLING ME to not know what I am about to be apart of. Fear of the unknown I suppose...

Check out the School I will be studying at! http://hj.se/hlk/en/education/studying-at-hlk/student-life/film-about-studying-in-jonkoping.html.





My Passport finally came in!! It is so beautiful :)

I am currently waiting on my Visa from the Embassy of Sweden. I have called them several times to make sure that I would be recieving it before my departure date. All they say is

"Oh you will be fine!" 

Although they have very kind and assuring voices, I still have a massive amount of skepticism when it comes to documents arriving "on time." At this point, I am just praying to God every night and day that he will provide for me. And worst case scenario, I DON'T get it on time, then I will have my papa mail it to me in Sweden. God speed.