5.5 weeks

It's hard to believe that in 5 and a half weeks I will be on a plane to London, England. I have my papers and forms in a specific spot at my parents house, hopefully all ready to go, and although those are the important things; I feel like I'm missing something.
This weekend my life was consumed by the ballet. I moved in to the UWM dorms on Friday and unpacked. Decorated and prepared for students on Saturday, and students arrived Sunday. There are 87 students living in the dorms, give or take. It was pretty chaotic on Sunday explaining all the processes they will go through this summer and making sure everyone was in their correct room and had the right keys.
Now day one of classes all the students are nervous but don't want to ask questions even though they have them. Its kind of funny to watch them. But exciting to see the kids in their classes.

Now that I'm slightly counting down to my departure I'm trying to think of things that I want to do while I'm in London and have some free time.

50 DAYS

Wow! It's pretty crazy how quickly time passes. A year and a half of applying, interviewing, planning and now the Olympics are 50 days away and I'm going! Now that I see how many days I'm hoping I can get everything done that I need to.

Little Reminders

Last week I received multiple emails from London regarding some "Role-Specific Training" that I needed to sign up for. These training sessions are either way in advance or way after the Olympics actually take place. Originally I emailed back saying that I would be unable to attend these training sessions due to airline ticket costs and travel. I did not hear back from London after I explained why I couldn't make the training. Later in the week I got a text saying I needed to pick my training.
Needless to say I started to worry. And my sister will tell you that this was ridiculous, but I was nervous that I would get an email or phone call from the London Olympic Organizing Committee telling me I was dismissed as a volunteer. They have the ability to dismiss my service whenever they choose fit and while I hope this doesn't happen I thought that being unable to attend a training session would give them reason to excuse me.
I logged into my olympic volunteer account and checked the box that stated I could not attend the training and left it at that. If they dismissed me that was it.
I put the issue out of my mind and enjoyed my sisters graduation from high school and final ballet performance as a student. While waiting in line to get seats at the ballet performance my mom began talking to the elderly couple that was standing behind us. During the course of the conversation she told them that I would be going to London as a volunteer for the Olympics. This embarrasses me, my parents often tell people that I am going to London as a volunteer and while I don't mind my parents talking about it when I'm not there I do not like them to talk about it when I'm standing next to them. It's not a bad thing but it embarrasses me. Anyways, the gentleman asked how my fundraising was going and I told him I have what I need to get there and get by. This man pulls out his wallet and, generously, hands me a 100 dollar bill.
I was absolutely shocked. I tried to give it back but he wouldn't let me. So I have $100 more towards my goal. Of course he will be getting a thank you letter like the rest of my sponsors. But I was floored that a perfect stranger who I interacted with for less than 5 minutes would do that.
Another reminder from God that I am in His hands. No matter what He is/does/will take care of me and the needs that I have. This gesture from that gentleman and the reminder from God encourage me that I am on the right path and that the London Committee will not dismiss me for not being able to attend the training.

I appreciate that God is humbling me and molding me through this experience.

Words to Live By

There will always be things that disappoint us, there will always be struggles we go through. There will, hopefully, be triumphs we experience, moments of pride and success. I hope that I will always put credit where it is due.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts but the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5

I will never comprehend the love that God has for me. I am constantly reminded of how much He gives to me.

Summer has Started

Finals week was stressful. I’m glad its over. I don’t do well with tests, they always stress me out and I’m not a very good test-taker anyways. I had Monday free of exams to practice and study, which I did all day long. Luckily I had fellow students studying with me, which at times helped. Sometimes it was a distraction but it was more helpful than disruptive.

            My first exam, on Tuesday, was the practical I had to take, with this exam I had to get an 80% or better to move on to the second semester of the Athletic Training program. I had prepared all day Monday and felt ready. When my turn finally came I walked in to the classroom where the scenario was taking place and needless to say, I choked.  I felt like I remembered some important things and forgot others. When I left I did not feel confident about my performance at all and was very disappointed in myself. During practicing and other scenarios I felt confident, I talked through the process and didn’t forget very much, but of course when the time came to be graded I forgot everything I had been working so hard to remember.

            Wednesday I had the written portion of my final exam for the same class the practical had been in the day before. We had the option of finding out our grades for the practical before or after we took the written. I chose before because I knew I would race through the written exam just to find out my grade. I had anticipated failing it, which I did…by 1%. 80% was a passing grade and I ended with a 79%.  Fortunately I was able to redo the practical and passed it the second time around. But during the rest of finals all I could think was how I had failed the practical the first time and that wasn’t good enough.

            Thursday brought me 2 exams, which I could have done better on. But there is always room for improvement and at the time those classes were not my priority. I did my redo practical on Friday and passed. Afterward I talked with my professor about why I had failed it the first time. He was very encouraging; again I was frustrated about failing it the first time. But the reasons I failed were not things that would drastically affect a person in a real life situation. Which I suppose is encouraging; at least I’m not going to kill anyone.

            Now summer’s here, and I don’t have to worry about exams for a little while. I’m still working at the ballet for a couple more weeks. I’ve moved home, which makes my commute to work lovely, going from a 15 min drive to 45 minutes is not the most exciting thing. But at least I can see my dog every day. And in a few weeks the ballet will start their summer program and I will move back to UWM and live in Sandburg until I leave for the Olympics in July.

Until that time I will read a lot of books, sit by the pool and get a tan, and play with my dog. 

Passport Please

My tickets to London have been bought. :D
Earlier this week I met with the appropriate people at UWM and we went through the process of finding a flight. It's pretty exciting. The lady I worked with was very excited as well. She kept giggling and saying "this is so exciting" while we selected the tickets. At one point she even said "take me with you". It was pretty funny.

So I will leave the US on July 27'th. I'll be picking up my volunteer uniform on July 29th. If anyone is interested in seeing what I'll be wearing maybe I will post a picture; once I get the outfit. My first volunteer shift will be August 4'th so I should have plenty of time to get situated and experience the atmosphere that will be around the city during this time. One downside is that I will miss the Opening Ceremonies. I'll be flying high on my way though.

Once my shifts start I have one day off to rest, the day before the wrestling competitions begin. I have found out that a number of wrestlers I met while interning in Colorado Springs will be representing the US. I couldn't be prouder of them or more excited to experience this with them. I'm hoping I will be able to watch them compete even though I will be "working". I have a feeling it will be much different than when I volunteered at the Test Event. Less laid back.

As the Olympics get closer God is putting everything into place for my trip, in His perfect timing.

Housing-Yes
Plane Tickets-Yes
Friends in England-Yes
Volunteer Uniform-Date to be picked up chosen
Volunteer Shifts-Yes

82 Days until the Opening Ceremonies in London

It's Going Down

Finals are coming up. I'm not excited. I'm actually loathing them. Every time I go to my classes I feel like I am not retaining any information. I am not confident in myself for my finals at all. Hopefully the two more weeks of preparation will encourage me, but at the moment I'm not counting on it.

This morning I woke up after getting an email regarding my airline ticket. It needs to be bought ASAP. I went to bed worried that I would not find out my shifts for the Olympics soon enough to get the best ticket for my trip, again God is good and when I just start to worry that this is not going to happen, or I feel completely unprepared He steps in.

I checked my emails before going to class and sure enough I had an email giving me my entire volunteer schedule for the Olympics. It's real, I'm going, even though it is a few months away I feel prepared, although at times it is surreal. I have a place to live, I have my volunteer shifts, I have an airline ticket (to be purchased next week) and God is taking care of me.

Just have to make it through finals and then I can make all the preparations I need for the Olympics!!!!