A beginning~!

Hello! My name is Allison. I am a junior in high school. But who am I really? I am a speechie. I swear my room is organized, but not to the untrained eye! (Or at least I tell myself that to make me feel better!) I am a German language student who occasionally gets told to put her Japanese dictionary away during class. I am a Christian and extremely active within my church. I am so busy I don't know how I have the time of day to write this blog! But over all? Well - I'm very excited! And that is because I am going to Japan through American Field Service, AFS. I have always been interested in the Japanese language and culture. Roughly a year from now, when I enter college, I plan on majoring in Japanese. And that, simply, is why I want to go abroad, to Japan, with AFS! Because I love the culture, the language, and I always have, that is why I am so excited!

Through my experience with AFS I hope to gain some first hand knowledge and experience of Japan, and through it a deeper respect for the country and her people. And of course, I hope to pick up the language more! In return, I will tell and share my experiences with all that I can and help others to have awesome experiences as well. My family is very supportive about me becoming an AFSer. I could not ask for any better! My parents know that going to Japan is something I have always wanted to do, and I wanted to go before entering college. I have my chance and my parents and siblings are doing everything in their power to help me see it come true. My friends wish I would just shut my mouth and stop talking about it! But really, they know how much I want to do this and wish me the best of luck AND tell me to bring them back souvenirs!

A big part of preparing for the AFS experience is the fundraising! So far I have been saving all the money that I earn through babysitting and my part-time job to help pay for my trip. Currently, I am selling Easter candy and receiving a small portion of the profit to help. I plan on doing so much more! I would like to sell candy bars, ask friends/family/local organizations for money and support, and perhaps even hold a fundraising dinner at my church! Somehow - I will work my hardest to help make this experience possible!

I am waiting for the confirmation from AFS Japan and will keep this blog updated!