"Au Revoir" Party

My last weekend in the States was perfect though just a little hectic. Friday was filled with cooking and baking and organizing for my going away party that was on Saturday the 21st of August. The party was filled with not only yummy food and fun, but also all my family and close friends. It was a perfect afternoon and night. We filled everyone's bellies with a somewhat French themed menu. We had way too many desserts, but the French are filled with arrays of desserts so it all worked. I myself made half or more of the food. Some of the favorite items that I made was these rich truffles and heavenly tarts. When I baked these I really understood why people say the French love butter. The tarts were mainly butter, sugar, eggs, and just some almonds(more like over 4 cups). The food was not the best part though, I would have to say the bounce house we rented won that award lol. We decided (my father and I) to rent a bounce house for a little extra fun, and it was totally worth it! It was so much fun jumping around in there, though it was a workout for sure. I felt like a little kid again, and we even got some of the adults to crawl in. It was so nice to see everyone one last time before I departed for France. It was so amazing to realize the people around you who support and love you. I thank everyone who could come, it really meant a lot to me! The party went great, even towards the end with a bonfire and some silly games. My favorite would have to be the experiment of helium and the human voice. I never thought I could sound just like a chipmunk. The day was full of memories that I will always keep close, especially while I am on exchange. It was a long weekend, a full schedule, but although tiring it was perfect in every way possible. I am so lucky to have such amazing family and friends, no matter how crazy they are lol.

I Got the Golden Ticket!

Yesterday I received official confirmation on my ticket and flight itinerary. I'm actually leaving in less than 2 weeks! I leave August 25th at 11:29am from Green Bay. Then I fly to Chicago where I jump on a plane to Philadelphia, then over the Atlantic to Paris. I will be in Paris, France at about 7:30am (their time) where we will be greeted then I guess I'll be hanging out in the airport for the day until I hop on my next flight to my hosting city of Toulouse at 1:30ish. I will arrive at the Toulouse airport where I will finally meet my host family by about 2:30-3pm! It will be a long travel but so worth it! I don't have any long layovers besides the one in Paris. The best part is that I will fly to Paris with about 40 plus other Rotary Exchange students so I won't be alone and definitely will make a few new friends. Then I will fly with some of the other cool people staying in the same city as me! I can't wait till I depart!! I know their will be tears but I am so excited! I am a little anxious and nervous just for the whole idea of being in a whole new place with an unknown language, but it's an adventure of a lifetime! I will of course miss my friends and family, but I'll be back!!! They will get some peace and quiet for once without me, haha! I won't leave without plenty of goodbyes and memories! The weekend before I leave I am having a going away party, French theme of course, at my house for all my family and friends! It's the perfect way to see everyone and say goodbyes before I leave, plus its always plenty of fun with me around! I am so excited for the party because its always great to be surrounded by people who love you and support you and that absolutely make you laugh till you pee your pants, haha! It will be the best memory I think before I leave!! Plenty of French/American food, music, fun, and maybe a surprise or two...who knows.

Grand Rapids Conference

Wow, what a weekend it was! No offense but I never thought a Rotary conference could be that much fun! I attended the Central States Rotary International Exchange Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan over the long weekend of Thursday, July 8th to Sunday, July 11th. The adventure didn't start there though. On Wednesday I had to travel to Chicago to attend a French consulate meeting for the following day. My mother, exchange student named Leo, and I spent the day exploring Chicago. I think we walked over 10 miles, mainly on Michigan Ave. Though it was hot and rained, we had a good time. THe next day we hauled my luggage across Chicago, running through crosswalks to get to the French consulate office. Thankfully we walked in right on time, but I ended up waiting for a very long time for a 2 minute meeting. They took my fingerprints and picture and I was out of there. From there I hopped in the car with the other Alexis and the two women from IYWT who were the sweetest people ever. We almost however ended up in Wisconsin instead of Michigan haha. After a long adventure and being stuck in a ton of traffic we arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Calvin College. I didn't know what to expect at first, but it ended up being one of the best weekends of my year! Just in those four days I met the nicest people and learned so much. I attended meetings ad listened to speakers (some that put many of us to sleep, lol). The best part of any day however was of course the dances at night. The first night was small then every night after it just grew into a bigger and bigger party!! Dancing I think is the one activity any one from any where can do together, and very closely. Also during this conference the variety show group got plenty of practice and bonding time to prepare for out final show together. On Saturday we ha the show combined with the talent show. It went great and the crowd went wild for the acts. That night was the most amazing! After the show and plenty of crying on all our parts we packed up everything and said goodbye to the show we loved. We didn't cry for long though. After we headed to the biggest party of the weekend!! It was so much fun and it didn't stop there! We were lucky enough to have an all night dorm which meant the party kept on going all night long and a few battles! Silly string and squirt guns helped get back on the Rotex and torture our favorite Matt! The rest of the night we all just hung out and talked, some slept but sleep is over rated. I pulled a definite all-nighter! Packing up was the worst because we all knew goodbyes would be next. At breakfast we had little time to say goodbye to the many friends we gained and maybe will never see again from other districts. Tears streamed down all faces. We boarded the bus which brought more tears and headed back on the longest bus ride of our lives. Grand Rapids was hot and full of mishaps like the fire alarm and craziness of the dances, but it was also full of the feel of family. I felt close to everyone there no matter if we had nothing in common or looked nothing alike, we all belonged. I never wanted to leave and it was sad to know that it was goodbye to so many brothers and sisters! Every stop on the ride home grew sadder and sadder! It was hard to even imagine a life without some of the friends I made over this last year. But we all knew that it would have to come to an end, and hopefully one day we will see each other again! It was late by the time we got back to Wausau, but I was tired and depressed and wanted my own cozy bed. It was a long weekend that built memories to last a lifetime! I will never forget the family I have in Rotary and can't wait to expand that family throughout this next year!! It's never goodbye in Rotary, its until we meet again!