Going Away Party, Many Thanks

Sorry that I didn't post about this earlier, I've been procrastinating.

So first of all, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who came to my going away/welcoming party for the Madison inbound exchange students. It was a lot of fun and it was nice to be able to spend time with a group of people as a whole one last time before I embark on my trip to Italy for my junior year.

I have so many people to thank for helping me get to this point. I cannot believe that in just a little over a week I'll be landing in Catania, Italy and my exchange officially will start.

Mom & Dad: You two are the greatest parents I could ever ask for. You are always encouraging me and challenging me to pursue my dreams. And, thanks to you, I get to start my dream in about a week. I'll be living in most beautiful country on the Earth, filled with culture and history. Thanks for all the financial support you've been to me because this wouldn't be happening if it weren't from you.

Both sets of G'ma's & G'pa's (Higgins and Fiegen): Thank you for always being there for me and being so kind to me whenever we're together as a family. You are four people that I will miss so much while I'm in Italy and be assured, I'll write to you often. You are all so kind to me and have been so supportive ever since I said "I want to be an exchange student" about 11 months ago.

Azmon & Elliot: You two are my best friends and I would not be doing this upcoming exchange if it weren't for the help of you two. Thanks for answering all the questions I had for you both (there were many).You are two people that I can always count on when I need something whether it is pertaining to the exchange or just something random. I will be spending my last night in the USA with you two. What a sad night that will be. Thank you both; I am forever grateful of all you've done for me!

My Friends: Whether it's past, present, or future friends, thanks for getting me to the point I've at in my life. There is something special about each of you that I will never forget. Thanks for the support you've been to me in my life and in my exchange process. And to my future friends, I'm excited to meet you. I hope I can develop solid, ever-lasting relationships in Italy so I can always have someone to talk to and people to visit.

Everyone who helped at the going away/welcoming party: You're the reason the party was a success! It was a very enjoyable evening and so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Roger & Nancy Moose: Again, without the support of you two, I would not be leaving for my Rotary exchange in a week. You're both so kind to me and you're always willing to help me with questions. Whenever I email or call either of you, you're always cheery and ready to help.

Madison Rotary Club: I feel as if I'm repeating myself. Thank you for being my sponsoring club and being willing to accept me into the program. I'll be sure to send a lot of pictures and write to the Club as a whole often!

Rotary District 5610: Thank you so much for sponsoring me as an outbound exchange student for the 2012/2013 exchange year. You are the reason this is happening and I will not every be able to repay you for this opportunity you've presented to me. I promise to keep up on my monthly reports. Thanks to the interview committee for selecting me, thanks to all the exchange officer who are in-charge of the paperwork and making sure everything gets set up. So many people to thank!

Rotary District 2110: Grazie mille! You are my host district and I cannot thank you enough for the chance of a lifetime that I am about to start on. I'm very excited to get to Italy so I can thank you in person for this opportunity.

My Host Family: Giovanni, Maria Grazia, Caterina, and Elena. Thank you so much for accepting me into your family. It is a great challenge for me to leave my family in the USA but I know you will take good care of me. I am so excited to meet you all. Words cannot express my gratitude for you four. I know that we'll develop lifelong relationships that cannot be separated, no matter how far away from each other we might be. Grazie, grazie, grazie.

To everyone I forgot to mention: I am sorry! I'm not one to typically make excuses, but I am ill at the moment and I can tell that I'm not thinking straight (even ask spell-check). Thanks to you all.