I am here in London in my flat that overlooks Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. The decision to come was spontaneous and quick. My parents asked if I wanted to go on Saturday, I decided yes on Sunday, we called the program on Monday, I was accepted on Thursday, I bought my ticket on Friday, I got my student visa on Sunday, and I left on the following Monday. I didn't really have time to think any of it through but I had prayed about it and knew that this was right. I received my answer and didn't look back. Until I arrived in London.
The first day was stressful and overwhelming. My mind was racing as I tried to wrap my head around the fact that I had left behind BYU, Provo, friends, and my apartment to join a program with people I didn't know. Had I made the right decision? Would I make friends? Would I be missing out in Provo? What was I doing? Maybe it was having only slept around 7 hours in 48 hours, but being at my new flat with 41 students I had never before met and starting a program I really had very little information about, gave me a minor panic attack. I have always been an independent person who loves new places and new things (and who is relatively brave), but this has pushed me farther than ever before.
After calling my mom and catching my breath, I regained that calm assurance that everything was going to be okay. I have never before been so sure of something. This is right. This is where I need to be. Here is where I will grow stronger and become steadier. It has only been four days but I already feel at home here. I know that this amazing opportunity has come at the right time for me, and I plan on taking complete advantage of it.
I decided that my goal for 2014 is to live unexpectedly. To jump at every opportunity to grow, learn, and experience to further enjoy life and become my own person. What better way to do that than to live and study in London?
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