Going where the climate suits my clothes...

Pre-script: Like most of our class, I have never blogged before. However, I am extremely excited to experience many new things this semester in Panama, and if a blog decides to tag along, then that is alright with me.

Right now I am still a wild mess of wonder, skepticism, excitement, and much more concerning both my last semester at Truman, and the two months of Panamanian excursion that await me. I am curious about just what exactly it will be like to travel throughout country and what exactly I will be doing. No matter how many times I read our information packets, view the class website, or speak with faculty, my mind still wanders and imagines several different scenarios--all of which will most likely be much different than the actual experience--but they are all still fascinating to imagine.

I am skeptical, just because it still does not seem very real to me. It is still hard to believe that in less than four weeks--a mere month--I will be adjusting myself to the tropical climate of Panama (a great change from bitter Missouri), attempting to speak Spanish (more than just out at the bars with friends), and forming numerous relationships with both Truman cohorts and locals (a friendly 'hola' to anyone who is reading this!).

I am excited, of course, for all of the things I mentioned above, but also for so much more that I cannot account for. I am excited for relationships with a group of diverse people, an unexplored environment, and my favorite hiking boots. I am excited to nervously speak my Spanish and comfortably speak my English. But I am also excited for the unknown. And with that I will conclude my first blog, remaining in an enchanting state of wonder, skepticism, excitement, and ...