The Final Preparations

In less than 24 hours I'll be heading to the airport! WHOA!!!!

I'm sorry I have to admit this, but to anyone who saw me within the last few weeks: if I said I was excited, I was lying.  I have been nervous, scared, uncertain, emotional over leaving friends, and a million other things.  Unfortunately excited was far down on the list of emotions...until now!  I can honestly say that during the last few days, the Lord has filled me with both joy and peace about this journey.  I'M READY.

Last Thursday, less than a week before my flight, my visa finally arrived!  That was the last official thing on my checklist, so now I am legally allowed entrance to the UK (kind of important I guess...).

I started reading through the internship handbook that the program director from A&M gave to me during training.  Most of it is information on safety, transportation, etc., but one section caught my eye: "How to NOT look American".  Apparently all Americans are considered very wealthy and therefore become targets for pickpockets, so blending in is essential.  Here were some of the things on the how-to list:

1.  Don't wear bright colors.  Either Europeans are generally depressed or they just love black.

2.  Don't wear brand names or sports team merchandise.  No Aggie shirts?!?

3.  Don't smile, wave, or start conversations with random people.  Goodbye southern friendliness.

Somehow I don't think any of this will do much to hide the fact that I'm American, because as soon as I open my mouth they'll know... (4.  Don't speak. Ever.)

During my "London intern" Googling frenzy I ran into an incredibly funny blog devoted to stories about stupid interns.  It's based off the summer intern season on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., but the stories are relevant in any internship setting.  I am confident that my skills in professionalism will hold up, but reading this definitely reminded me to stay on my toes.  If you also have an internship or a job this summer, don't be THAT guy: dcinterns.blogspot.com.

Saying goodbye to all my wonderful friends and roommates wasn't easy, but I was blown away by the love and encouragement everyone showed me!  I honestly thought I would cry a lot more than I did, but everyone left me feeling so warm and comforted that I just didn't have the tears.  Speaking of best friends...in only a few days I will be reunited in London with Emma Spoor, one of my best friends in the world!  She's on her way back from studying abroad in Russia, and I'll get to spend a week with her and hear all her amazing stories.

Special shout out to my amazing Rudder Young Life team!!!  They're hard at work at Frontier Ranch in Colorado prepping the camp for kids, and I would give the WORLD to be there with them right now.

Pray for safe travels and minimal homesickness!  I love you all and I'll talk to you soon.

Much love,
Hayley