Packing Day - So Many Emotions

 

 Excitement & Nerves 

   For some of us going on this trip, it will be our first time out of the country. Traveling abroad has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, so I am filled with so many emotions. I have been unable to sleep for a few days due to my excitement and nerves. I am sure many of you can relate to this kind of feeling. It is like when we were children and couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve. But travel nerves have gotten to me today as I pack my bags. May 30th has sneaked up on me, and I don't have everything ready. But the reality is that I do have everything I need for this life-changing trip. 

    While packing my bags, I took the time to be more present with myself and become more aware of my emotions.  I would ask myself, do you need to bring all these shirts? Or is this item something I can live without for almost three weeks? I will say that there are a few things you probably shouldn't forget, such as:

  • underwear
  • socks
  • phone charger
  • PASSPORT!!
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • Personal hygiene supplies (toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, soap, etc.) 

    The more I became present with myself and became more aware of my emotions, the more I understood how important it is for us, as future counselors and students going on this trip, to be present in every area of our lives. I am excited and eager to see how present we all can be while in Greece together. If you are following this blog, please take some time to be present with yourself and others during the next few weeks. Refrain from thinking about what you will say next or thinking about something else while conversing with another person. We students have been told that the Greek lifestyle is very different from the American lifestyle because it is slower-paced. I am excited to experience this kind of lifestyle. 

Over the last few months, I have taken 15 minutes daily to learn Greek, read, and write. I know that learning a new language can be challenging for many. Still, speaking even the tiniest amount of the native language of the place you are traveling can help you better understand and communicate with the natives. So, if you are interested in learning a little Greek, here are some words that can come in handy:


  • Hello - Γειά σου (yia su)
  • Goodbye - αντιο (a-di-o)
  • Please - παρακαλώ (pa-ra-ka-lo)
  • Thank you - ευχαριστώ (ef-kha-ri-sto)
  • Yes - Ναί (ne)
  • No - όχι (o-hi)
  • Sorry - Συγνώμη (sigh-no-mi)
  • My name is - με λένε (me lene)
  • Good morning - Καλη μέρα (ka-li me-ra)
  • Good evening - Καλησπέρα! (ka-li spe-ra)
  • How are you -  Τι κάνεισ (ti ka-nis)

I am so excited about this trip and can not wait for what it has in store.  

Many Blessings,

Leah Goodwin


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