Getting My Ducks in a Row

Congratulations are in order! These last couple weeks I have received two great pieces of news. Firstly, my application was accepted by AFS USA. It has been sent off to AFS Argentina and they will let me know if there is any additional information that is needed. I am officially on their list of Spring 2011 Argentina exchange students.

I received my AFS student guide book in the mail and have begun reading it. There is a lot of information that is in there that I had never thought of. Did you know that the U.S. is famous for wearing shorts? My guide book suggests "Don't arrive in another county in shorts or you will be immediately labeled as a U.S. tourist." I will keep this tip in mind when packing my carry on outfit. Wow! It is so exciting just to THINK about packing!

The second thrilling accomplishment was that I have gone over the half way mark in my fund-raising efforts. I now have over $6,900 in money going towards my trip! That means I only have $6,500 more. I am getting closer to my goal every day. If you know of anyone that would be interested in sponsoring me, don't be shy to suggest they check out my blog! I love to hear what you guys are thinking so comments or questions are always great.

Working for Safety

Hello again! Recently I have been working/volunteering for a group of local community members. A hillside above my neighbors houses is up for logging, and they are concerned about the effects it could have. Over the last several years, there have been many landslides that destroyed property and endangered lives. I am concerned that logging the hillside on a steep slope might cause the soil to become unstable and heavy rains will cause the hill to come tumbling down on my friends and family.

I have been working hard writing letters to our commissioner and researching information for my community. We are asking that the DNR only approve the portions of the proposed harvest with low to moderate slopes, where there is no indication of a landslide hazard, and that no roads are approved that cross any areas that are potentially unstable. This way, Sierra Pacific will still be able to collect their necessary harvest while not endangering property, people, or wildlife. We have an event coming up on the 25th called "Mycelium Rising". It is going to be held at the Bloom Cafe in Bellingham from 8-12 p.m.

This is a great cause for me to be working on because it helps me get closer to my goal of getting to Argentina, AND I get to help my community stay safe. It is wonderful to be able to get two things done that I love at the same time. I am able to accomplish twice as many things!

Giving It All I Got

Last week, I officially submitted my AFS application. It is currently being looked over. Next week, I will have my interview with my local AFS volunteer. Once that is done, my application will be sent to the Argentina AFS organizers. I should hear back from then within the next couple weeks.

This weekend the Vaya a America Latina essay is due. Over the past weeks, I have worked on draft after draft of my essay. The scholarship is through AFS and will cover half of my tuition ($5,112.5). It is really important for me to get it so I have been working hard to make that as possible as I can.

My host brother, Franco, has been living with us for about three weeks. His English is very good, and it has been a joy to get to know him. From him, I have begun to see snip-its of Argentina's culture. He has told me about words that vary from the Mexican Spanish I am currently learning. It has been fun to show him my home town and teach him about new things. It really brings light onto how different cultures are in simple, every day routines. Every time I hear about Argentina from Franco, I long to be there. Having him here has solidified my decision and thrive to travel to Argentina.

Over all, I am continuing to work hard to earn money. I am also taking time to learn about Argentina as much as I can. I am so excited to travel there and will work from dawn until dusk to make it possible. I am giving it all I got.