One Week

I find it difficult to believe that I leave in only one week. When I signed up for this back in September, early May seemed so far away. Now, I have begun the one week countdown.

I am very excited, and quite nervous. I have tried to prepare the best I can, however you can never really prepare for these things perfectly. No matter what I do, I will probably realize that I should have packed something I didn't pack, or that I should have read something I didn't read, or whatever. So, I am not going to sweat over this too much.

I am starting to really think about the every day items I will need, and so I am stocking up. This morning I bought a headlamp, a super absorbent travel towel, and a travel pocket to clip on to my pants--to prevent pick-pocketing. I have my reading list set up, my Ukrainian language books ready, and my journal to write in hopefully every night.

Also, I have decided to give my host family a small gift when I arrive. I will give my host father a bottle of Canadian rye whiskey, and my host mother a bottle of pure maple syrup--distinctly Canadian items. I figured the whiskey would be received especially well, considering it's Ukraine. The Ukrainian word for 'water' is 'voda'--one letter away from 'vodka.' Coincidence? I think not.

I still have one pesky exam to write on May 6th. That one lasts from 2:00-4:00 in the afternoon. Then, I am home free for the summer! Until the next evening of course, when my plane takes off.

A few nights ago I was sitting in my living room reading a book and I had a 'holy crap I am leaving next week moment.' I find I spend a majority of my waking hours at home reading books that have nothing to do with school. I won't be able to do that in Lviv! I'll be able to read of course, and I plan to, but I won't be able to read at home! Oh well, such is life. I will get over it.

As for reading, I will bring along my Bible (duh!), Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina for pleasure reading, and a book called Poustinia for spiritual reading. Catherine Doherty wrote Poustinia to bring Eastern Christian spirituality to western Catholics, like me! She was, among many other things, the wife of an Eastern Catholic priest.

I have to go do other things now, but I will continue to update the blog, both before and during, and hopefully after my stay.

Until next time,
Michael