Fingerprints

Despite being so sick that I was unable to go to work, I still made it to my fingerprinting appointment today (I would have crawled if I'd had too). The process was surprisingly easy; I walked right in, the guy was friendly, and the actual fingerprinting took very little time. So now I have the fingerprint card for the FBI. I just need a certified check for $18.00 and a good cover letter explaining what I need and why. As I am still miserable and typing is rather difficult right now (I keep making stupid typos), I think I'll wait until tomorrow to write the letter.

After getting fingerprinted, I stopped by World Market and purchased a pair of chopsticks. Since I'll be seeing a lot of these in Korea, I figure I'd better learn how to use them now. I'd rather embarrass myself at home than in a foreign country. I've got over half the amount of money I wanted (minimum) to take over with me saved up now! It feels so great just knowing that I am making progress toward going. It's really happening, and I am really going to be in Asia, living my dream, in just nine weeks. Somebody needs to pinch me!

I will confess that I am very nervous and scared, in addition to being excited beyond belief. I am giving up so much for this! I am also aware of the many hardships I will face, including homesickness, strange food, difficult weather, cockroaches, and a whole different way of life. But in a way, the hardships are part of the appeal. Every obstacle I overcome in life helps mold and shape me into a better, stronger person. It's in climbing mountains that we get the best views, after all. I just want everyone to know that yes, I am well aware of what I'm giving up and I have a rough idea of what I'll face. I also know that it's all worth it. This is an opportunity beyond any I have ever been given. God has been very good to me.