From the moment I learned of the Fulbright, I began scouring the internet to read alumni blogs and posts. Initially, I was baffled why so many started with, “I got the Fulbright…” and then jumped to, “I’ve arrived in Finland…” or “Singapore”, or “New Zealand”, or even “UK.” what happened to all those months in between?
Well, I get it now that I am in it. It’s crazy busy, but not in a bad way, just in a making a never ending list and then crossing items off before realizing that the list has doubled and quadrupled– kind of way. Each action item is totally achievable. However, it’s the change rental posting, to responding to an insurance question, to finding temporary housing and making doctor’s appointments, to finding medical insurance, to don’t buy food at Costco because we are moving out, that makes it all an adventure. And oh yes, who exactly is going to take care of the dog while we are gone? All of this swirls around in our heads in addition to our amazing day jobs and the desire to prepare for the actual inquiry project while we’re away.
It’s all exciting and truly good. Yet, when people ask how’s it going I am careful in choosing what to say. What I want to say is there isn’t enough time in the day/week/month before asking if they know of any probable tenants to rent our home as the sweat of anxiety pops off my face. Instead, I share how thrilled our family is for the opportunity, and that we can’t wait for the adventure to continue. Focus On!