It’s September! Can you believe it?
I am officially two weeks away from leaving for Pontarlier and starting my journey en France.
I am also officially freaking out, but what else is new?
When I was first accepted back in April, the program seemed so far away. I felt like I had plenty of time to brush up on my French, get all my paperwork squared away, and make some fun vacation plans — all while working full-time and getting normal day-to-day tasks done.
Let me just tell you, these past few months have flown by and now everything feels much more real.
It especially feels more real now that I have my visa!
Last month, I flew down to San Francisco to get my visa paperwork processed and, oddly enough, that was nearly easier than my Lithuanian visa appointment. Everyone on the TAPIF Facebook had been freaking out about the necessary documents and how the appointment took forever and how the staff there was rude.
I’m not sure if I just got lucky or just have that kind of face, but I had the most straightforward experience that resulted in no panicking, no rudeness, and no wait time (seriously, I was in there for fifteen minutes).
My paperwork was accepted, I paid for my visa to be shipped back, and then I was out the door to enjoy the day in San Francisco!
My coworker from home tagged along as we wandered the streets of San Francisco and eventually met up with my friend from my high school exchange, Anna! She took us to some quirky, non-touristy places in SF, we drank good coffee, and walked the beach.
And just like that, our short trip was done! We spent the night and I flew out (with great difficulty) the next afternoon.
Other than visa details, it’s been work and church and attempting to pack! Naturally, I want to bring every sweater and scarf and shoe I own, but I’ve learned the hard way that I definitely should not do that.
“France has stores,” I remind myself. “You do not need to bring literally every piece of clothing and makeup in your closet.”
Naturally this mantra has not stopped me from throwing everything into my open suitcases as I attempt to channel my inner Marie Kondo. Everything gives me joy, that’s why I have it!
But, so the process goes. At least for the next thirteen days.
Anyway, I need to actually do work and get my life situated.
Until I’m on my way to France,
– Kate
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