Ethiopia Bound!

So, I am off to far away land called Ethiopia. I started badgering my parent to let me study abroad since 10th grade. After multiples of NO NO NO, college rolled around but my desire to go abroad was still there. With papa Gates on my side, I shopped around...Greece, Madagascar, Scotland...but my final selection was Ethiopia. Somehow I applied...and now within 10 hrs I will be on plane there. My stomach is half butterflies, half can of worms. I don't know what I am feeling. nerves, possible vomit
(seems to be what i do best on planes), or just fear. Fear of not knowing...ugh...I feel like I am back in 3rd grade, my first day boarding school...when my parents left. I was alone. All my roommates had older siblings doors down, and I was lost, confused, and wondering where my folks were. I did not have any control. It feels like that. i know my intern at the Layla House will be phenomenal. The cultural will be so refreshing and the people just welcoming, but I still feel lost. The airport is not going to help either. Hundreds, thousands of people pretending to no where they are going, speaking in some unintelligible language. When actually they are like me, lost in crowd just waiting for the damn sea to part and the path to be shown. I talked to Jenny. She calmed my nerves. It was not too long of a conversation, but definitely needed. Rachel sent some music and I am definitely going to need that back up on the plane. Buwa and Ama have been great the past two days. Helping me pack and all. They seem to be getting along...which has put my nerves at ease somewhat. Raj is as usual....work...sleep...eat...computer...with some interaction. I hope when I get back we can spend some time together....mini golf??? We played another two rounds of cards....my worst nightmare...but everyone else enjoys it. The game Marriage, just didn't float my boat, neither does the real concept of Marriage...at least for now.

But still...I am do not feel brave enough. Its 2:00 am and I am the condemned building right before a giant wrecking ball hits it. I just want to get there, and put the idea of airports, and no control behind me. I am worried about getting there...when I should just think about the fun experience ahead! I know its time, and I should be ready. There is just a good, learning time ahead...So I have decided to kick back and let the good times roll!!! Here I come Layla House, Addis Ababa, and Ethiopia...braver than I actually am...OM MANI PADME HUM!!!!
PS- even though I am so confused...I am extremely thankful...Ama/Buwa...and will miss everyone...expecially the Cougs! I'll try to blog...and keep and touch....see you in the spring!