Hello hello! I'm so sorry for being M.I.A. for so long, but I've been very busy trying to get all of my affairs regarding my exchange to Japan in order! The good news is that all of the work I've been doing hasn't been for nothing; everything is finally falling into place.
Number one on the list of good news: I've finally fundraised a sufficient amount of money to pay for my exchange, through both my banana bread fundraiser and some letters appealing to businesses and distant family members. I will be paying my tuition in full very shortly. I'm really thankful that so many wonderful people have lent me a helping hand, whether family, friend, or stranger! Even AFS employees and volunteers have reached out and helped me in my efforts.
Second on the list of news: I went to my pre-departure orientation a few weeks ago, right before the start of winter break. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot! I met with two other exchange students who were going to Japan on the year long program with AFS, as well as a Japanese exchange student who is currently in the USA. I really connected with my fellow students, one of which I had known previously, the other of which I had just met at the orientation.
I've also received my domestic and international travel logistics, and my trip to L.A. for the gateway orientation has been completely planned out and solidified. It's all very exciting!
Third and last on my list of good news, this is possibly the greatest: a host family has chosen me! I will be residing in Saga-shi on Kyushu and to Saganishi High School. They are the Hisano family, and I have a mother and father, as well as three siblings(two sisters and one brother). My sisters are 16 and 22, and my brother is 20. I'm very excited to have a sister that will be attending the same high school as me!
This concludes my general information dump, but I'll definitely be posting more now that the ball is actually rolling and I'll be spending most of my time studying Japanese instead of fundraising and the such.
Bye!
