Inauguration

So, I'm kind of an anxious person. I get really excited about things and they all but completely consume my life leading up to their beginning. Going to China just so happens to be one of these things. Although departure is two months away, I feel like I'm running out of time to get everything done (this is where the anxiety comes in). I panic because I don't have a packing list and will not get such packing list until TWO WEEKS before I leave. Say what? It seems as though I must earn my beloved packing list, as well as my flight itinerary, by completing a very large (but shrinking) list of things to do. 


1. The biggest of all, finalizing payments. This $2,520 program fee has been a thorn in my arse, to be frank. Granted it is not expensive for all that's included. But, for a destitute college kid such as myself, it can be difficult to cough up that much dough without resorting to illegal means of gaining profit. Don't worry, I resisted the temptation. In fact, I was beginning to think that it would be impossible. Then out of nowhere, my prayers were answered and it is about to be all taken care of. God is good, kids.

2. Obtaining a visa. For this, I have to mail my passport across the country. Kind of nerve-wracking seeing as how if it doesn't make it back to me, then I can't leave the country anyways and then all of these minor heart attacks would not have been worth my while.

3. Sending in my college transcripts and a resume. Apparently they'd like to make sure I'm not an idiot I've taken adequate amount of English classes myself?

4. An updated medical recommendation. Ah, yes. I did indeed already send one in. It so happens that the one I sent in originally said I was as healthy as a horse. My, how things change. My ovaries and I do not get along. I'll spare you the details.

5. Speaking of failing health, I also need to pay for my international health insurance. Did you know, some people have health insurance that will pay for things even when they're in another country? This is laughable to me, whose insurance company won't pay for hardly anything at all here in the States. Here's to hoping I don't actually need my IHI.

Believe it or not, I started this process over a year ago. It seems long and tedious, and truth be told, it is. But  I know that it's going to be so worth it once I actually get to where I'm going.

Speaking of where I'm going, let me tell you how I'm getting there. My BFF Megan introduced me to the International Language Program. ILP sends volunteers to Mexico, China, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, and Lithuania to teach English to children of all ages. It truly is an amazing thing knowing that you can make such a difference in the lives of these kids and their families by teaching them the world language. If you would like more information about ILP, click here.

Well, that's it for my inaugural post! I probably won't be updating much between now and when I leave, but when I get to China I solemnlypromisetrytoswearto update almost everyday.