Emma and Viborg DK

     In my interview to become an exchange student, one of the questions they asked was "Are there any countries you would not want to go to?" Besides a few, very radical, exceptions, the answer was no. This was tested a few nights ago when I got a call saying that I would no longer be going to the Faroe Islands and instead would be going to Viborg, Denmark. At first, I was disappointed. I had spent the last six months researching, dreaming about, and falling in love with a country that will no longer be my new home. But when I got home, with teary eyes, I started researching. I found random facts about Denmark, and that my new home is filled with castles. All these little details and beautiful pictures of Viborg quickly dried my tears and sparked my excitement. This excitement hasn't wavered and has continued to grow.
     Later that night, I thought back to before an exchange trip was an option. I had questioned why anyone would want to come to my hometown of Northfield, Minnesota. Reflecting on that thought I realized that an exchange trip isn't entirely about the place you go; it's about the people you meet and the things you do. This realization made me feel better about having my country switched. It also gave me a new outlook on my next year. While I do have my doubts about Denmark, I think that overall this change was for the better; now I will have many other exchange students to meet, I will get to travel more, and I will learn a language that may actually be useful in the future.
    I am 47 days from departure, I have a Danish flag coming in the mail, earrings with a Danish flag on them hanging from my ears, and I am struggling to learn Danish as fast as I can.

Sidenote about my American life:
    Yesterday, I had to do one of the hardest things in my life; my family put our eleven year old, golden retriever to rest. Emma was truly the perfect dog. No matter what the situation was, she was always tail-wagging and smiling. Nothing ever seemed to make her sad. This is something I admire and strive to do myself. I know that she will be watching over me, next year in Denmark, and the years following that until I can join her in heaven.

56 Days and Counting

     About 150 days ago, I ran out to my mailbox to grab a letter from North Star Rotary Youth Exchange. I ran into my kitchen and tore open the envelope. "Congratulations! We are pleased and excited to extend an invitation for you to become a North Star Rotary Youth Exchanged ambassador." Seeing these twenty one words brought tears to my eyes. I was suddenly filled with energy, excitement, and joy. I started jumping and running around my house. After the first couple laps, I realized I hadn't looked at which country I was going to. I ran back and continued reading the letter. A paragraph after the "Congratulations," I saw Faroe Islands. Instantly, my excitement doubled; the Faroes were my top choice. Tears of joy streamed from my cheeks. Next, I called my mom, my dad, my best friend, and my brother to share the amazing news. Then came the obligatory Facebook post, which in my excitement turned into a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram post. 
     Now here I am; 56 days until departure and excitement still unchanged. Over the past six months, I have read various articles, scrolled through countless blogs, and watched hundreds of YouTube videos. I have been attempting to learn Faroese and I have created a stockpile of warm clothing.
Take off can't come soon enough.