| August 10, 2007 Lesson One: “What-ifs” are called “what-ifs” for a reason This semester in Turkey is going to be a series of lessons and through this travel journal I hope to impart to you the most significant ones. I'm excited about what the next five months have in store, and I foresee great stories about life-changing adventures filling these pages in the months to come. As the days before my trip are crossed off on my calendar, the hours remaining for me to worry about all the “what-ifs” are also diminishing. “What-if” I don't pack the appropriate wardrobe; “what-if” I don't make any friends; “what-if” my friends at home forget I exist; “what-if” I can't learn the language quick enough, and I'm unable to communicate with the Turkish people; “what-if” my professors are prejudiced against me because I'm American; “what-if” I'm discriminated against because I'm a Christian? My mind is racing, but a friend wisely stated that “what-ifs” are called “what-ifs” for a reason; none of these fabrications are worth my emotional stress because they haven't happened. This semester is going to be filled with many new experiences that will require me to grow out of my comfort zone, but focusing on what |
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