T-2 weeks, stream of consciousness

As my trip draws closer I find myself with mixed emotions.

I am nervous to travel without knowing the language. I know bits and pieces of Spanish and French but that doesn't account for much. I even uploaded a Italian Immersion CD series onto my computer - we will see if it helps. I could probably read small things but speaking and listening to conversation is a whole different ballgame. My sister spent six weeks in Costa Rica one year and started to dream in Spanish....but, she also had four years of college Spanish before going...I am going to be a fish out of water with little preparation for my baptism by fire.

I want to get the most out of my trip and learn so much about the country, its people and their customs. I worry about offending locals and their customs and norms. Being Catholic, I am interested to see how the culture is based off of the importance of Roman Catholicism...in the United States I feel many people choose religion as a status position. It is my current perception that we, as Americans, have lost sight of the overall purpose of religion and believing in something that is not tangible. We have built religion up to set boundaries for lifestyles and judgement of others instead of bettering ourselves. I want to see how organized religion shapes the culture in Italy. Our people and families bonded together because of their religious beliefs and growth? Or do they use their religion as a means for status and judgement? Whoa, major stream of conscious...

I want to enjoy myself - after all, I had to spend a great deal of money to take this school trip. I am looking forward to meeting new people and growing closer to the individuals I am traveling with from UAB. I want to take in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and interactions with native Italians to make the most out of my two weeks there.

As a counselor, I hope to gain insight and knowledge into different cultural norms and how to make new techniques applicable in my own professional development.

I am a bit sad that Steve cannot take this trip with me. I am also anxious to leave my sweet bunnies at home with him for two weeks. I know he will care for them but I feel they will miss my bonding time in the evenings. And then of course there is the whole worrying about finances and making ends meet to pay all the bills when I return. Two weeks without pay is a LONG time to go at work but I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Especially with my hours just being cut - UGH.

Overall, I hope to come home with a renewed sense of self and personal insight and grow.