40 Days Away!

 I feel like I can safely say that studying abroad has officially taken over my mind when last night, I quite  literally dreamed that I successfully bought an iced mugicha and Georgia brand café au lait from a 7-11. 

 I'm a little over a month out from hopping on a plane to Japan, and believe it or not, I'm a little bit excited... but also somewhat nervous and stressed.

Currently in my journey to find myself in Japan, I'm navigating a world of visa applications, airfare prices, deadlines and plenty of communication that takes place over a 14-hour time difference. Everything from triple-checking my visa application documents to finding a safe airplane route as a solo traveler, it's all been a bit nerve-racking. 

But underneath that anxiety, there is a thrum of energy that's been powering me. All of the gears are finally in motion, and I've been able to get some major objectives done in the past few days, such as purchasing my plane tickets and sending in the paperwork to obtain a visa! Even when I had questions or was unsure in what I was supposed to be doing, I found plenty of help along the way. The incoming student director at Kansai Gaidai has been incredibly helpful, and even governmental departments like the Japanese Bureau of Health and Welfare have been straightforward in communication and assistance. It came as a surprise as to how easy it was to get in contact with these individuals, and it has been a world of difference in my process to obtain the necessary paperwork. With major items such as tickets, visas, and so much more out of the way for the time being, my mind has finally been able to uncover some of the smaller details that will help to create a smooth transition into Japan. 

Aside from buying a shiny hardshell suitcase or trying to find where my neck pillow might be, I've strived to focus on my relationships here in the states, and how I can spend my remaining time at home in a way that is intentional and the best use of my time and energy. Some days that has meant springing in to make dinner for the family or feeling the urge to make tiramisu at midnight (it turned out fantastic, by the way), but it's also meant that sometimes, I spend a little extra time cuddling with my dog, Sadie, or indulging in a book that I've been wanting to read. My mind has been full of what the near future holds, so I have found that I need to rein it back from time to time, so that I might make the most of the present moment. I sometimes struggle to make time to keep in contact with others or to appreciate my surroundings, so I'm making it a goal to intentionally take in the moment and the presence of others around me, even if it's a quick stop at a coffee shop or cleaning around the house with my mother. 

So although I have a mere 40 days before I leave the United States, and have plenty of objectives and goals that need to be worked on, I'm going to take time to hug others for just a little bit longer. I'm going to take time to annoy my parents and siblings with my shenanigans. I'm going to take time to sit down with my grandparents and friends. I'm going to take time for the things that matter.

After all, I have to enjoy the time I'll have waking up to this sight in the morning: