Is it JUST money?

With every person I tell about plans to travel abroad the question of how much its costing me or if I have enough funds always seems to come up. The answer I tell them is I will make it work one way or another, and most everyone responds with "Yeah, it's just money anyway." As to say its just something that can just be wished into existence. Lately I have had the massive feeling of, it's not JUST money. It's the huge elephant in the room, the huge line between the trip of a life time and wasting the already couple grand (that is non refundable I may add) I have shelled out to make this trip possible. Thankfully my financial aid will be covering most of it and I'm not so patiently awaiting a second award letter for other aid I have applied for, which will only be processed once I pay off the holds on my account. Seeing a pattern here? I feel as though I'm bleeding money! After a long telephone conversation with my amazing mother, I have devised a plan to exhaust ALL my options!

1. Apply for a private loan in hopes of not having to accept it
2. Apply for a credit card, for emergencies of course 
3. Shamelessly promote my GoFundMe page :)

Along with prayer, all I can do is do my diligence and work hard to make this possible. 

In lighter news, I received a packet today with a list of every person participating in my program and book which on the front says: 

"Are you ready? Go time is just around the corner. Your life as you know it is about to change. How you think. How you feel. How you live. It's time for a big dose of the world. Smells will be different. Sights will be different. Sounds will be different. You'll come back a new person with a whole new view of the world. Isn't that exciting? Cherish this opportunity. Learn from it. Live from it. In a few months, you'll look back and thank yourself. " 

Now if that isn't something that doesn't get you pumped, I don't know what would. The book is filled with all the good stuff I need to know. Culture shock, American stereotypes, cell phone usage, airport safety, etc. It's a very helpful preparation tool. 

I finally registered, and got my final schedule. I will only have classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Leaving Thursday and Friday to travel and really make the most of my experience. I will only be taking 4 classes and 13 credits. I wanted to take one more 3 credit class but it was full by the time I was able to register. I am taking Introductory Italian, Business Communications, Organizational Management, and my favorite... Digital Photography. Can you imagine getting to take Photography in ROME! Talk about AMAZING :) 

My spirits are still high, and I still feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers! 

Until next time,

Emily :) 

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.