cheers

So far..the Alaskan experience has been everything I could have imagined and more. It is hard to stay connected back home though. I've spent the last 9 days in a rigorous Wilderness First Responder course which requires 80 hours of training. Therefore, in my free time I am checking in with my family, studying, trying to make connections/friends with my roommates and my fellow exchange comrades, and trying not to get too lost. Postcards are especially appreciated, I received my first one today and I intend to reply promptly! I have met loads of great people, and have unfortunately picked up strange terms such as, "I need to use the loo" or "let me know when you wanna head down to the pub". I feel as though I am constantly looking back to home, constantly on Facebook trying to determine when my friends back home arrived at school, and constantly updated with APO emails and reminders of when the first BAM practice will be. I do miss home. I miss being surrounded by my brothers and advocating for what is best for our group and our community; I miss showing up 5 minutes late to a BAM practice and no longer receiving a glare because my tardiness is expected; I miss the Thai food and Bruce's; I miss receiving Dove Dark Chocolate quotes and eating Sour Patch Watermelons on a monthly basis; I miss having someone read what I write before I submit it; and I miss watching twisted dark dramas that make absolutely no sense by the end. Although I miss all of these things, and although they can never be replaced, I know Alaska has more to offer me and I simply cannot wait to seek a great perhaps.