the power of the internet

The other day, I received an email from a complete stranger. A stranger who knew all about the year that I just spent in France. A stranger, who sounded like a friend from the first email we exchanged. She is an American girl  me, two years ago. Considering leaving her home for a year, but nervous about all that that would involve. She's been reading my blog and emailed me with all of her questions and thoughts. 
While trying to soothe her worries, my number one goal was to get her to do this. I wrote her a truthful letter in hopes of promoting realistic expectations without reducing the real greatness of a year abroad. 
And now I hope to do the same for you by sharing my response:

      Hello! I'm so glad that you found my blog and enjoy it!! I love hearing from people that read it. When I first started it, a year ago, my mom told me that I needed to pick a voice. Who did I want to write to? She asked me. I knew that my blog would serve as email updates for my family and friends, but who I really wanted to address were those who would follow in my footstep. I hoped to impact someone else's experience in some way, hoped to encourage others  to have a year abroad of their own. 

As far as my dedication to writing goes, it's something that I love. I wouldn't write so frequently if I didn't enjoy it. It also helps that I have a lot to write about! When you're abroad, something crazy happens every day, so it makes for great material. 

Plus, you and your mind changes and as your ideas form, writing helps connect all the loose ends. It makes you realize all the things that are happening which could otherwise go right over your head!  

      Now on to you- do it. 

I'm going to be completely honest with you: no amount of research, or blogs will prepare you for leaving home for 10 months. It can't. It's an absolutely crazy thing to do, which I don't think I really realized when I decided to do this. It's pretty risky in that you have no idea what you're getting yourself into, you have no way of knowing. But what I can tell you is that you can handle it. You adjust, and you grow from every moment. The good, as well as the bad-and you'll have your fair share of both. 

What programs offer is a period of time in a foreign country, but every single experience is different. What you're referring to in terms of some people's experience having more appeal than others, may or may not be true. 

Yes, I've definitely done my share of traveling this year (I'm actually on a train traveling by myself at this very moment) but that came with a lot of instability crazy roller coasters of emotions. No matter where you end up, or with whom, your year is whatever you make it. You can have a terrible day on a sunny day and the best day of your life on a rainy day, if you will. 

My blog may appeal to you more because I have a very positive attitude and tend to write more about the happy parts of my experience, that's what I would prefer to remember. Even if it doesn't represent my year as a whole. 

It's not that AFS "just puts you out there" but rather that they put you where they can. They don't typically cater to what you wish for simply because they can't. I know that AFS France has a hard time finding families, and takes every single one that volunteers themselves. So no, you won't be able to choose your region of France. At my interview, the lady asked me what kind of weather and scenery I prefer, but really I don't think my answers changed anything. Your application gets sent out at random to different regions, and from there they try to find you a family. 

AFS is a good organization in that they're there for you, and you always have a number to call. But the job they do is very hard, and they can't guarantee that you will have a great family or town or school. It's a huge lottery, but no matter where you end up, what really matters is your attitude and your willingness to adjust. No one is going to "not accept you" but some will take longer to open up to you or leave all the effort up to you.

I have seen a lot of France, and a lot of different kinds of people. I can't generalize to answer your questions but I wouldn't change my country choice given the chance. France has become my second home and is very close to my heart. 

      So now it's my turn to apologize for the long email! When you give me a topic that I love I'll write for days. But I'm going to arrive in Lyon soon, and you have a long AFS application to start preparing! I hope I didn't scare you off in the least, I just don't want you to have this fairy tale in mind and be depressed, if your experience doesn't live up to it! Personally, I don't remember having a single expectation when our plane landed. And that way, I had no way of being disappointed. I've had a lot of rocks thrown my way this year, but I wouldn't take back anything, I've had a great time and you will too! 

I'm hoping this email persuaded her to embark on this amazing journey. And now I've shared it on here, in hopes of persuading you too!!!