Bula! So this is my first of many blog entries I'll be posting over the next couple of years... I actually cannot believe I just typed that, yup, YEARS... Holy crap! That is a long time! I'm headed to Suva, Fiji for my next adventure and am totally pumped to see where my heart and mind are when I return. I'm going there on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship (fancy-sounding, huh?) and am going to be studying Social Policy. I'm really excited about getting my Master's, another chance to be in the classroom. I've really missed that type of learning since graduating from Central.
OK, so I'm taking off in just over two weeks and will be in Fiji for two years. I'm sure I'll be a different man by then, better for sure. I see myself as a work-in-progress and these next two years are definitely about self-improvement, self-actualization, and self-definition for me. I want to gain a better perspective on the world and my place in it. I see myself as a bit of a dreamer, just read some Jack Kerouac in fact, and am pretty jazzed to find my own version of the "dharma," or truth, he writes about. I'm not a Buddhist by any means, but a truth-seeker for sure.
I keep thinking I'm gonna be even more lost than I am now. I'm pretty sure I will be more sure of myself but less sure of the world when I get back, trapped in an American culture I no longer can fit into. Don't get me wrong, I could not be more proud to be an American (where at least I know I'm free... hehe... for all you folks who went to Spain with me, that should make you chuckle...), but there are things about our culture that I simply don't dig too much. If you wanna discuss it with me, shoot me an email or we can chat online sometime. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
So what am I excited for? Honestly, I can't wait to be on the beach! I know that's not as philosophical as what I was just talking about, but it's totally true. I'm tired of this Iowa winter, so my trip could not be coming at a better time! I just want to chill on the beach, lay in a hammock, and maybe write a song or two with my guitar. Do they have margaritas in Fiji?!? Haha! Just kidding...
I'm excited for the chance to take classes again, excited for the chance to meet people of another culture again, excited to be out of my comfort zone. I've never experienced a better rush than landing in an unknown place and having to figure out my next move. I think I'm just excited about the unknown...
I'm nervous about it all too, though. Of course there are the details like whens and wheres but I'm mostly nervous about being lonely. I'm a real people person, love my friends deeply, so am not exactly excited to say goodbye to them for two whole years. My brother CT is getting married in August, so I'll be returning for a few days then, but that's still a long ways out and afterwards, I don't think I'll be back at all until I complete my degree, eeeeek! If anyone wants to visit, you are totally welcome! Don't worry about paying for accommodation either. I'm sure my apartment won't be the Hilton, but it'll do if you're on a budget, hehe!
OK, I'm kinda tired and not sure exactly what to write anymore. My brain is shutting down. I guess I just wanted to kick off the blogging before I leave and thought I'd get down some of the things I'm excited and nervous about. I'll try to write again before I take off, but I'm not promising anything. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, so I'm not going to intend anything even. If I'm in the mood I'll write. If not...oops! Take it easy and hasta luego.
