Dear Friend,
I really have been meaning to tell you this but I have been lost for words. So here I go.
I know you are excited to be studying abroad, and I am excited for you. I am excited for you to meet new people, experience a different culture, and have a lot of fun.
But I am afraid. I am afraid of having to adjust to a lifestyle. I am afraid I am going to be alone with my thoughts, and you are going to be more than six hours ahead of me. We currently have our routine down, and you are realistically only a few hours away. But that is all going to change.
Not being able to call you right away will be hard. I know we will both have to put in a little more effort, and that is OK. I'm ready. I am also ready to hear about all your stories. All the different people you meet from all over the world. The experiences you go through -- from probably getting lost in a foreign country to being able to legally go to the bars.
I know the world is a scary place -- especially lately -- but I am telling you not to be afraid; to go travel to different countries every weekend; to experience a new life; to learn so much about your major you won't be able to stop talking about it (even more than you already do.)
Life can get lonely or even boring, and things might change at home. Even through all the changes, just know I will still be there if you need anything in the States. I will always be the person you can call when you're up all night and I am just rolling out of bed. Chances are I'll even answer your FaceTime calls in the middle of class.
The only request I have is you do not forget about me as you are traveling around from country to country. I want pictures -- a lot of pictures. I want Snapchats to wake up to so I basically feel like I am there. Oh, and I know it is old fashioned, but a postcard here and there would be awesome. Just everything you would send to your mom, add me in!
I can't wait to hear about all you foreign adventures wishing I was right beside you. Heck! Maybe I'll even ask for a trip to visit you (Merry Christmas to meee!). I just ultimately hope you take this experience and run with it. It is seriously once in a lifetime, so do every possible thing you can.
You are finally able to show you the world that you are a strong, independent woman. Now go out there and take! Stop just living in this world and go explore it. You will do fabulous things. Have fun, be safe, and I love you forever.
xoxo.
