Pre-Departure Preparation

Hello All!

Today is exactly one week before I leave for Oxford, England! Therefore, I felt it only appropriate that my blog writing should begin today. I'm not sure exactly what one writes in blogs, so bear with me as this may not be witty or even entertaining! 


All I have done today is sleep in for probably the third time over the break (which was fantastic!), go to Nicole's to borrow a few things for my trip, one of which is a giant suitcase in which I can fit inside. That would be the picture you can see below. Then I met up for some British tips with the music minister of my church who is from England and went to Oxford University. He said words like "fancy" and "lovely" that make me oh so excited for the "lovely" british accent that awaits me in England. :) Then I went to Walmart and Target to get some necessities like space bags to pack with and travel size everything. 

I am actually dreading and terrified of packing, that is why I am putting it off. I can only take one, ONE, 50 pound suitcase, a small suitcase to carry on and my backpack - for four months of weather varying from England's freezing cold winter to spring/nice weather in the other countries I plan to travel to. Yikes! Needless to say people like my mom and Nicole are going to help me make packing decisions on what to take, and not take. Places I plan to travel are: all over England, Switzerland to see Anjalie(!), France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Greece/Croatia, and however many more I can fit in!


Well, that's all the updating I've got for now! I would love feedback via comments to 1) let me know that people are actually reading this and 2) so that I can know what you guys would like to hear about my trip, suggestions for traveling in Europe, and just anything at all!!! 


I'll leave you with my favorite verse that will hopefully get me through the tough/rocky parts of my trip and that will serve as a daily reminder of the awesome God who has blessed me beyond measure with the opportunity to study abroad. Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."