Thank-you's

I was writing a couple of thank-you notes, and...well, I thought this was worth sharing :)
...I wanted to thank you for your support and understanding of my dream to go on a foreign exchange. I've had to save a lot of money and study every day to get closer to this goal, and now it's all coming together, thanks to the help and support from my family and relatives. I think that all that work is going to pay off, in many different ways -probably some ways in which I can't imagine- and I am grateful for all the people who trusted in me that it would. I know it may seem like I am just a little person in alone in the world out there, but the truth is, I am not little anymore, and I need the chance to go out into the world and see it for what it is. To understand that two people, two cultures, two countries, are all one and the same, and that the world is my (everyone's) canvas to paint on. -To understand these things would be to understand that I am not alone in the world. But you probably already knew that I´m not alone, because I'll always be in your heart, as well as you in mine. :)
(this is the part where you sing "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan) (hehe I love Tarzan)

Host Family!

It is now summer, and several weeks ago I attended the Pre-Departure Orientation with 4 other (amazing) AFSers from my area. I loved getting to meet them and just having the time to think things over and talk as a group. I think the orientation was a big help for more thoroughly preparing me and my parents for this experience.

This post is a little overdue- so many things have just jumped up on me with the beginning of summer (college apps, the SAT, family vacation), but a couple weeks ago, I received the information about my host family!!!!!!! I can't describe how excited and exhilirated I was the day I found out. I was thrilled to have not only 1, but 3 sisters and a great school, community, and family that were willing to take me in. It was like the experience was becoming real. My parents then submitted the rest of the money saved up on my debit card (that I will use for transferring money in Brazil) to AFS. I am still busy studying portuguese, writing college application essays, and getting everything straight for next year. I can't wait to finally be in Brazil and meet everyone!