I was shocked. Utterly flabbergasted. Poland was third on my final list, after Argentina and the Czech Republic, but I did not know anything about it. Nothing. I think I put it down because it was available and because it was next to the Czech Republic, so it had to be similar, right?
I had been expecting the Rotary letter soon, I was promised it would arrive on or before December 22nd, and for some reason I had a gut feeling that it was going to arrive on Friday. Ironically, Devon's dad drove us to school that morning and we got to talking about how my Rotary experience was going, where I expected to be placed (couldn't say for sure, kind of thought Czech Republic), and when I was going to find out. Little did I know that eight hours later I would hastily tear open the most exciting letter of my life.
When mom brought in the mail, I was waiting for her (remember my gut feeling?). There it was, an envelope embossed with the official Rotary International Heading. I felt the butterflies in my stomach. I tore it open, read the first word - Congratulations! - and skimmed the letter until I found the most important sentence:
You may start anticipating your departure from MSP International Airport and your arrival in Poland!
Mom and I stared at each other, "Poland," I squeaked. I'll be honest and say that first second my heart sank, deep down I had wanted to go to Argentina. I was convinced that was where I need to go, to learn spanish, to learn how to dance, to return to latin america. But not a split second later I started to beam. Poland. I was in for an adventure.
Dad called, he was lost looking for his H1N1 shot. I got him directions and shocked him with the news. I'm not sure who is more excited about this upcoming experience, my parents or me! Thank god for their amazing support.
I texted Sarah, Ali, Katherine, Katie, Lindsey and Devon wanting to share my excitement. I have the most amazing friends they all wrote back, so happy for me. I continued to beam.
Sadie, Mom and I went to the library a little while later and I promptly checked out all they books available about Poland. I haven't stopped reading them.
I may have put Poland down as a whim, but I'm convinced that it was my destiny to receive it. The more I learn about Poland the more I realize that Poland and I are a perfect match. Let me list the reasons why:
- Poland has an incredible history. There are all the medieval conquests (CASTLES), WWII (WARSAW UPRISING), and Soviet rule (COMMUNISM). As a complete history buff I can't wait to learn all about the Poland's past. There is so much to learn.
- Polish - what a cool language. Right now the only word I can remember is prosze (please), but I'm just beginning. I'm super excited to learn a new language, especially one as unique as Polish. Plus, I have heard that Polish is a very useful language if one wants to work in Europe later on in life... And I found a place in Minneapolis where I can take Polish classes!
- One of my guidebooks has informed me that the favorite domestic animals of the Poles are horses and dogs. Based on this information alone, Poland is clearly meant for me. Also, Poland has the few remaining European Bison!
- It is a heavily Catholic country. I read somewhere that over 95% of the population identifies as Catholic and 75%(or so) report to be practicing Catholics. I can't wait to see what being Catholic is like in a different country.
- I'm Polish already. Well, kind of. My great, great grandparents immigrated from Poland in the mid 1800s. Grandma and Grandpa traveled there in 1988. I found their photos tonight and listened to some of their stories, made me even more excited!
- Poland doesn't sound as completely westernized as other European countries. It sounds less explored, more traditional and just plain different. I'm so happy about this. I really want an experience that can makes me look at the world differently. While I know this would happen no matter where I was, Poland sounds like it is unique within its European neighbors. The zloty anyone?
Basically, I'm just so pleased with how my placement ended up. There is something to be said for letting go of the decision making. Thanks to Rotary for making this happen, its going to be an incredible year.
Only 8 months until I leave.
: )
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