Starting up

This is my first post, so let me get introductions out of the way.  I'm Stephen Rosebaugh-Nordan for any readers not familiar with me.  I've been studying at Elon for about 2 years now and, after a ton of paperwork and more than a little stress, I'm finally achieving a lifelong dream.  I'm heading to Japan.  I'll be studying at Kansai Gaidai in Osaka from the end of August to around Christmas time.  Just think, in seven days I will be on my way to a brand new country.  So, let me give you my thoughts on this trip before I depart.

Ironically, I'm more tired than scared or anything.  I've had to juggle moving out of my old place, storing my personal items, and adjusting to living with my family again, if only for a few weeks.  They don't use AC...it is tiresome and hot in their house.  Coupled with the other things that need doing, like trying to write my novel, getting supplies for the trip, and preparing for what's waiting for me on the other side of the pacific, I haven't had much time to worry.  But now, everything is in order.  I have the Yakkan Shoumei form which allows me to take personal medication with me to Japan, my visa and COE, which took forever to get here, and all the other materials I need for travel.  Now I just need to pack.

My biggest fear right now is that I'll lose hold on the language before I actually arrive in Japan.  I studied Japanese for three semesters with a wonderful teacher at Elon, spent one semester studying on my own and have basically dedicated my whole summer to refreshing my memory.  For the most part it's worked, but I just have a fear that I'll blank when the moment comes for me to speak.  Thankfully, I recently picked up a Japanese dictionary and have been in contact with a young lady who will help me adjust to life at Kansai Gaidai, as well as help me with my Japanese.

I have one more big event before I really start sweating about departure though.  This Friday I will be having a farewell party amongst friends and family, who will not see me for almost five months after the party.  I'm hoping things will be more fun than sad, but one never knows.  I haven't gotten to see all my friends and I know not all of them will be coming, but I'm looking forward to the party.  We plan to have a sort of desert banquet and shoot the breeze, remembering all the good times.  For those interested, I'll tell you how it goes.

Until later everyone.