HI!!!! So this is the first blog I have ever written, so forgive me as this is long. Just to give you some insight, this blog is primarily going to be about my experiences applying for, preparing, going to, and after returning from my experience with the Internation Foreign Youth Exchange Program (IFYE) through 4-H.
To give you some backround information about how I got to this point, I was a 4-H member for 12 years, and an alumni for 5 years to date. My family was very active in the Saline County 4-H, which changed to Central Kansas District #3 sometime while I was in high school I believe. I was active in many projects growing up, but as I got older I began to focus more on Plant Science, Foods, and Clothing. I was also active in Dog, Performing Arts, Leadership, and a few others at various times. I was an active member of Willing Workers 4-H club serving in various offices and committees over the years. In the county, I served as a co-chair for the County Social Committee for two years, and served in Foods and Plant Science as Fair Assistants. I attended Discovery Days for a few years, and attended 4-H Camp every year possible, and really treasured being a 4-H Counselor. The memories and friendships I made at the time were ones I won't forget.
Now onto the IFYE Program adventure. Last September, I had been talking with my parents about going to the Kansas State Fair. I have not been in several years, since I attended college out of state. I finally decided I needed a break for a weekend to get away from my new job and the challenges for a weekend. Of course, while we were at the fair, we went to the 4-H Building. It is a normal stop for us and always one of the first places we go. Anyway, when we first walked into the building, my parents stopped for a restroom break, and while i was waiting I was looking at the poster boards on the tables. One board was about the IFYE Program. I looked at it, and realized "hey-I could do that! I've been looking for an experience like this!" So I picked up the flyers, and anxiously awaited for the applications to come out in two weeks. Now the application is very extensive and I was lucky to finish it in time with being a first year teacher. I heard back that I was invited to an interview at the end of November. Going into the interviews, I had no idea what to expect, but everyone was so kind and asked questions to see where we wanted to go, how we learned about the program (they were all shocked I saw the poster at the fair) and asked us questions in reference to how we would be able to adapt to living in another country. That afternoon we learned we were accepted into the program. From there it became a waiting game. A waiting game to hear back about what country we would be going to and dates and traveling.........for someone like me that wants to know, it was a long month of very little contact. Finally when I was about to give up hope of hearing anything, I recieved an email from Mary Kay with the news I had been waiting for-Germany was willing to accept me as an IFYE Representative!!!
Since then, the ball just keeps rolling. Last week I recieved a copy of my final biography with my picture on it-that's when the news I was going to Germany really hit. Before I was just excited, and jumping up and down when I told people, but now it was like "woah-I'm really going!!!" As of today, Germany has accepted my dates for the program and I couldn't be more excited!
The past year of 2012 has been so crazy-I graduated from Bluffton University in Ohio and left a home of 5 years, left friends that became family which was bittersweet-but who I will see come March when I come visit, spent my last summer working at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center renewing and forming friendships and growing more in my faith through a great support group, moving back to Kansas, volunteering with Teens for Christ Connections Youth Group, going on a Mission Trip to Cuidad, Juarez, Mexico to build a house for a family through Casas Por Christo, and starting teaching at Northern Valley Schools as a band teacher-which provides many challenges but many opportunites for great memories with the students!
2013 is off to a great start learning that I finally get to go to Germany-a place I have dreamed of going since I took German in high school, and continuing in teaching and youth group. I know I have many days that I just shake my head, unsure of what is going to happen next, but somehow God is reminding me to stop and look around at the good. God is working to teach me more each day too, one of which is patience in waiting for His will and not just wanting to know right now. I look forward to learning what more He has in store for me this semester, and through the trip, and next year after I return. I will try to post as new information comes and give small updates on school for those interested as well. Thanks for reading, I know this was long! Below are the IFYE Dates:
Nov. 1st-Deadline for Applications
Nov.30-Interviews & Orientation
March 8-9: Orientation #2
June 14-16: Orientation #3 & Send Off- Bloomington, IL (National)
June 17-Aug 12: Germany!!!!
