It's the final countdown...

Okay, cheesy Europe lyrics aside, I really leave for London in just a few days. My flight takes off Monday evening. I can't believe it's so close! Thank you guys so much for being so supportive of this dream. I know your prayers have really helped me get this far, and I'll appreciate all the help they will bring while I'm there. I'm very excited for this opportunity. I'll do my best to update this once or twice while I'm gone, and I'll be keeping a journal as well, so there will be an epic post when I get back, like there used to be after Houseboat or Mission trips - although most of those are sitting half-finished on my computer.
So this trip is about exploring British culture through theatre and music - thus the title of the class, "Exploring British Culture Through Theatre and Music". It's three and half weeks of fun and awesomeness. I have Rick Steves' Guide to London (2010) and a few friends on the trip, a bit of money in the bank, and a very very giddy heart. Part of me doesn't believe that I'm really going to London. I'm not really living by Hyde Park for almost a month. It can't be true!
But it is. I really get to see Billy Elliot! and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour 2010 and Nation. There is really a chance for me to run into stars. When my friend Ben went two years ago, he met Ewan McGregor!!!!! I've got a list from my friend Rachel, who also went two years ago, of all the little things I should try to do. My passport is up-to-date and my ISIC is shiny and new. Now I just have to finish packing, do a few things, and get on the plane!
I'm actually really nervous about Customs, which is kind of strange because its not like I'll have anything illegal with me. I get really nervous about going through security every time I'm at the airport, too, so I guess its just an extension of that. I'm sure it will go smoothly, and I heard from one friend that they don't even check your bag most of the time. I'm not sure I believe that, but we'll see. And in the end, it will be a growing experience.
That's the part I'm most excited about. My whole life has been a growing experience, but this is something a little different. It's a chance to grow away from some of the negative influences I've acquired (and a chance to figure out how to deal with certain influences that may be following me there). It's a chance to see the world and realize its bigger than my ethnocentric country. There is so much more in this beautiful world, and I finally get the chance to see a little bit of it.
Also, my friend Laura who attends the college group at MVPC is going to be in London for the first week of her Jan term as well. We're going to try really hard to meet up while we're there. It's going to be amazing!
Thanks so much for all of your support and prayers. I'm almost there!