Update...

My last post was 2 months ago, so now is probably a good time for an update. I'm sorry it's taken so long but I have been really busy with school. I'm cramming a whole year of school into one semester, so that I can leave in march and not have to finish high school when I get back. It's Christmas break though now, FINALLY! No school for 2 weeks! I go back January 4, i have about 2 weeks left of classes, 4 final exams, and then I am done grade 12!!

I don't know what I am gonna do for a month and a half. I've been trying to find a job to make some money for exchange but no luck yet, no one seems to want to hire me for only a couple months. So instead I've been shoveling and helping my mom lay hardwood floor to fundraise. Unfortunately, between laying the floor and trying to break the ice off the driveway, I pulled a couple ribs. It friggin hurts. It kinda feels like I've got the wind knocked out of me. So I'm out of commission for a bit, but at least it gives me time to write this.

Now to exchange info: I've started my visa application! It's quite long. With AFS, they send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application. It's mostly to say your eligible to go to Japan (ex: you're not a criminal). You send that back to AFS. Then they send it to Japan, and then Japan issues you a COE. Once you get your host family, then you apply for your actual visa! I really want my placement! It's starting to drive me crazy waiting for some info about it. Also, a couple days ago I got my flight info! I leave March 23 at 11:11am (that's gotta be a good sign (~.^) ) and I get to Japan at 5:30pm March 24!

I've gotten to know quite a few awesome people going to Japan with AFS. I finally got in contact with the others coming from Canada who are flying over with me. It's getting me so excited!! There's about 95 days until I leave!! It still hasn't sunk in that I'm actually going to Japan for a whole year!

So that's about it for now. Hopefully I'll be getting my host family soon! It would be the best Christmas present ever!
Thanks for reading

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Jenny

PS I recently got my luggage for Japan. I love them, especially the lime green interior. It would be very difficult to lose these (-.^)