Long Time, No See

It's been so long since I've posted anything, but I have been insanely busy.  Between performing in Beauty and the Beast in early May, and going to prom and then finally graduating from high school, I've hardly had time to sit at the computer and start my five page paper on the history of Finland.  But, I have been looking forward to my trip and thinking about my packing list and gifts to bring to my host family. I also went to RYLA in April, which was really fun. Getting to know Jennybeth, who's going to Brazil, and David, from the Czech Republic, and Giselle, from Taiwan was fun. Plus I met Ale, from Italy. Getting to know all these people from different countries makes me excited to go to Otterbein and see who I'll be traveling with to Finland.  Even more exciting is the prospect of meeting my host family in a short 2 months.  I received a package in the mail from my district in Finland, and they gave me details about the orientation I will be attending upon my arrival in Finland (theoretically August 5th, although my flights have not yet been booked).  I'm going to learn more of the Finnish language and culture, and I will have classes (I think) on what kind of differences to be aware of and big "faux pas". Plus we get to try saunas for the first time! I'm so excited; I'm sure orientation will be a blast and a good way to start an amazing year.  Some of the trips I'll be taking look really exciting too! I get to visit St. Petersburg, which is going to be so wonderful because I've always wanted to go to Russia; it was actually one of the first countries I had considered signing up for. There's also a three week trip around Europe, which I'm sure will be very eye opening since I've only ever been to France (and soon Germany; I leave next Thursday). I can't wait to hear more from my host family, and I'm actually looking forward to my history paper since I love history! :)