Today has been a hard day. Not because I've been doing a whole lot (though packing isn't ever a fun or entertaining task), but rather that I'm really at the end of my summer. Just like my peers at MSU who will be going back to class tomorrow, I'll be waking up early to face new challenges. Only thing is, I'm not going to be on campus; I'm going to be on an Airbus.

That fact hit me hard last night. March was a long time ago- March being when I was accepted to the AYF program. Now the reality of it is starting to set in. I am going to be away from friends and family for a whole year, with the exception of a week and a half at Christmas. I know I'm going to make it just fine on my own, and that I'm certainly going to make new friends, but something has to be said about leaving one's friends behind as well. After all, parting is such sweet sorrow.

I guess what I'm afraid of most is people moving on without me. I suppose this is a rather silly thing to be afraid of, since it happens all the time, but coming back next August means things are going to be very different.

On a happier note, things are falling into place- I have almost everything packed away. There is a feeling of detachment to see one's life packed into a few pieces of luggage. The only things that aren't packed yet could easily be put away in the blink of an eye, so I'm sittin' pretty. Except for the damn charger for my razor, which is hiding very well. I have been passively looking for it for the past week or so, and now I'm actively looking for it, but to no avail. I'm only happy that my dad has a charger that will also work for me, otherwise I'd be growing a beard while I'm gone. Wouldn't that look nice on me?

And so I'll take my leave now, about to eat my last supper in Michigan until Christmas.

"Courage is knowing what not to fear."

-Plato

August 30th, 2010

For those of you who do not know where Freiburg is, you need only but look at the neighboring map.

I am sitting on my couch in my family room as I write this, instead of packing as I probably ought to be doing. But packing makes the surreal that much more concrete; it makes this trip feel like it really is around the corner.

Yesterday, I had family over to say both "happy birthday" and "bon voyage!" It was nice to see them all, though it was still strange to think the next time I'd see them would be in the colorful glow of christmas lights. And I went to East Lansing one last time as well, to see people there and say my final goodbyes. It was hurried, and not particularly emotional, but I guess thats the way I like a goodbye. Quick and painless. I still have a few goodbyes to give, some of the hardest are yet to come. I suppose its really not "goodbye" like it would have been ten years ago- not when I can Skype people all across the world, from my friend Audrey who will be starting Vet School in the UK, to Marilyn or my parents back in Portage.

But seeing the "virtual" me isn't the same as being with the real me, and I guess thats the hardest part about leaving. As people resume their lives in East Lansing or Kalamazoo, I'm starting a whole new life in a whole new country. This makes me feel a little alienated from my friends that will graduate without me by their side. I guess I always pictured a big graduation in the Breslin Center, with all my friends and family with me. Instead, they'll be there, and I'll be in Freiburg. Its not necessarily a bad thing, either. It's just strange, surreal. But hey, I'll sure have some stories for them when I get back. And I'll have some friendships with students from across the world, on top of the one's I have already made in Germany. I know that this will be a life-changing year for me, and I hope that you all will follow me on my journey as I change, and in many ways, grow up.

I'll leave those of you who are reading this, as well as myself, a quote that is meant to inspire:

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

-St. Augustine