Wow. In just a few short months I will pack a bag, say difficult good-byes, board a plane, and head to India for the entire spring semester. I have known this fact for quite a while now, but the realization tends to hit me when I least expect it.
Fall break is coming up and as people plan, they talk about ideas for spring break. As they do, I realize anew that “Oh! By that time I’m going to be half a world away!” That knowledge sinks into me slowly and settles in my stomach, radiating a mixture of excitement and anxiety throughout my body.
A Much Anticipated Opportunity
Don’t misunderstand me here; I am thrilled about the opportunity to take a semester-long cross cultural to India! Coming to EMU, I was positive that I wanted to go on a foreign CC trip. In fact, even before I knew that India was going to be offered, I had mentally designated India as my number one choice for travel. Therefore, when I was accepted to the program, I was completely ecstatic. (My friends can confirm this; I don’t think I stopped smiling for at least three days.)
Despite my eagerness to become acquainted with a culture radically different from my own, I still have mixed feelings about leaving so many friends at EMU. I have a life carved out here, and it is frightening to venture into such unfamiliar territory.
Right now I’m relying on the counsel of more experienced friends; they assure me that most people get nervous before this kind of trip but, as it gets closer, your excitement starts to again outweigh your fears.
In the meantime, preparations are ongoing. There’s a constant march of paperwork that needs to be filled out: passports, visas, health forms, and trip deposits. Questions also arise: What level of quality do I need for my backpack? Should I buy hiking boots or Choco sandals? What immunizations do I still need? And so on and so forth.
An Enriched Campus
The cross cultural option is one of the most attractive features of EMU, in my opinion. It creates a unique college environment when, during any given semester, you have friends who are traveling in such places as Israel, Guatemala, Benin, or Switzerland.
This turn-over of cross cultural students is both a blessing and a curse; although we miss their presence on campus during their absense, we gain a great deal of insight from their stories upon their return. Chapels led by CC groups are a highly anticipated part of the semester because we are given a brief glimpse of the challenges and triumphs of our classmates' semester.
Soon enough, I’ll be the student returning with fond memories and unbelievable tales to share. India will be here before I know it, but in the meantime, fall has arrived in Harrisonburg and I am determined to enjoy it to the fullest!
