New news! :)

       Another host brother from a different host family found me on facebook! Him and the rest of his family will be my first host family. In this family, I have 3 host brothers, my parents, and a grandma! No sisters so far, haha. Which is cool, for I only have sisters here at home. This will be a new experience, for sure. I also received my Guarantee forms a couple of days ago:) So I almost have all of my required paper work filled out. As my departure gets closer (Which I am assuming is the 20th of August, since that is when most bound for Taiwan are leaving), I get more and more excited. It wasn't quite that real-feeling to me that I was leaving the country for a year, but now it has really hit me, and I still have a month before I go!
       Just in case I forget to acknowledge those that have helped me obtain this amazing opportunity through blog, I will now. First and foremost, Glenda Sales. If I didn't meet you when I did, there is no way I'd be involved in this amazing program like I am. I love you and Sergio like I do my parents, and you have literally changed my life. The South Ukiah Rotary Club Of-course!! :) And my wonderful counselor Theresa, that has also played a huge roll in assisting me in becoming apart of this awesome program. Renee, from the Windsor Rotary Club, for helping me complete this madness called Exchange student paperwork! haha. Whenever I am stressing out, whether it's Preparing for my year abroad, work, or family problems, you are always there to calm me down, and bring me to a reassured state; I love you. My dad: Though you are a tough man at times, you have made me into the young lady I am today; doing the things I am, and going on this life-changing journey. I love you pops:). And the rest of my family! I love you! AND lets not forget those darn Pinochis! Tucker, Mamma P and Papa P, I feel the love from you guys, and you have no idea how much  I appreciate it. Mr. and Mrs. Pinochi, you have helped me through some tough times; and Tucker, you're my best friend bro. If I'm ever feeling down, you have my back. You deal with my crazy, and still accept me as a friend. This has helped so much, having a besty that is going through the same experiences as me in preparation for a year abroad :). Love you. And last but not least, my community! Organizations like the Boys and Girls Club have been helping me raise money to fund this amazing trip! And other friends and family in the community that have helped me to find work, in order to raise funds for this year to come, and have been supporting me all the way. I thank you all:). To anyone I have missed, I thank and appreciate you as well.

       On an ending note, I hope to make another blog entry before I depart. If not, you'll be hearing from me in Taiwan! PEACE:)

Host Family!!

     OK, So my host brother contacted me about a week ago! I have two brothers (That are older than me) and my parents. I'm going to be the baby in the family for once. My host brother emailed me and informed me that I am to be living in Taichung with them, Taiwan's third largest city. I'm so stoked!! I don't know what club or school in Taichung I will be attending. Or what my host parents or house looks like; but I did find my two brothers on Facebook!

     I have been so preoccupied with school and work, that I haven't really stopped to think about leaving the country in a little over a month! This new information got me hyped up, and super excited for my new life to come. Every day, I am doused with a little more excitement.

Located in the central district of Taichung, Taichung Park.

Prepare.. All I can do!

A little less than 3 months before I depart for Taiwan. This is when it starts feeling more real! Haha. I have been so busy with school, family, and work that I havn't stopped to really think about this HUGE decision I am making. Though every time I do, they are thoughts of excitement. Especially now that school has ended; so much to look forward too!
I have not learned what district in Taiwan I will be staying in, meaning I am unaware of any of the host families I will be living with. I have huge hopes for living in Taipei, Taiwan's capital; a city populated with about 2 million people. But any district in Taiwan will be amazing, for it is all so different from America, and that is exactly the kind of experience I want; something really diverse. There are so many different cultures in the world that I am so unaware of; making Taiwan a great ice-breaker for becoming more educated on cultures and customs different from my own.
I hope you enjoy my updates throughout my trip. I'm ecstatic, having never traveled outside the U.S. before! :)