I have officially been accepted by AFS France and will depart in late August for 10 months in France! Just when you think the paperwork is over, I found out I have to fill out another application and fly out to Los Angeles to do an in-person interview for my student visa. Even though the departure date is just around the corner, I may not find out where I will be staying and who I'll be living with for another month or two. I hope to end up near the water for a change from landlocked, mountainous Colorado, but I don't really get a say, and will be happy with wherever I land--whether it be in the mountains, the suburbs, or the big city of Paris.

      How am I supposed to pack almost a year's worth of stuff in only one suitcase and two carry-ons? I know one thing for sure, I'm bringing my computer and four pairs of shoes. Other than that, I'll have to make a lot of tough decisions. 

     Aside from traveling to get my visa, I hope to get a summer job and spend as much time as possible with my friends and family who I'm abandoning and trading in for Europeans! 

     Thanks to those of you who have already supported me so far. Without your help I would not be anywhere close to going. I am still about $2,000 away from making my fundraising goal and being able to pay for this exciting trip abroad. All of this money is due by the end of June, and if each person who reads this only chips in $20, I can make it happen for sure! So please chip in whatever you're comfortable with, and check back for more updates, I will be posting more often when I get to France (including lots of pictures).

Merci beaucoup,

Eden

Me(left) and my friend Callie who I'm ditching for the Europeans.

Click the orange chip in button in the blue box at the bottom of the page!
(Refunds available if I do not go. All donations go directly to AFS, not to my pocket!)