Fifty-two days and couting....

I couldn't help but get started on my blog! I see this as just one more thing that gets me closer to Italy. I am right in the middle of exams and of course I need something to help me procrastinate just a little bit more. I think creating the blog and writing this should cut out another 45 minutes when I'm finished. :)

But seriously--I am really, really excited about getting to Italy. So much has already happened. I chose to go with a program in Siena, Italy through the International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership. With this program I will be living with an Italian family and taking some classes. One class that I am enrolled in is a full immersion Italian class (where we can only speak Italian) and another class. The second one is titled "Service in Contemporary Italian Society" and I will be completing it in conjunction with the 15-20 hours per week of volunteer service in the community. When I was looking for a program, I wanted to be something more than una turista o una studentessa americana. I feel like this experience will give me a unique look at Italy.

I have also had a stroke of luck that has allowed me to extend my stay. Despite the best arguments I gave i miei genitori, I couldn't convince them that it was a good idea to let me stay alone in Siena for a week or two after my program ended...but to my great fortune Mom suggested that I get in touch with "the family." I use quotation marks because I have never met these family members and am still bound to the American idea of family. But everyone has been so helpful and especially kind as I figure things out. I'm ecstatic to be finding some more (distant) blood relatives. It will make this trip extra sweet!

Well, I think I've done enough procrastination for now. I need to pass my classes if I'm going to study abroad! Until next time....