The day had finally arrived. It was all so surreal to me that I was leaving for France to continue my volleyball career. I was feeling all kinds of emotions from extreme anxiety to adventurous, you name it. It had been a great summer spent near home with friends and family, and I did not feel ready to leave that all behind.
Before bombarding you with pictures of France and volleyball, just wanted to share some of my favorites from this summer at home.
A big thank you to my college roomie, Danielle and her husband for letting me be their third wheel for the summer, which allowed me to save money on housing while working in Springfield! It worked out so well, being able to cook meals for each other while we had different work schedules! Felt just like the good ol’ college days!
Thankful to have been able to spend the day with this beauty for her Birthday near Grafton, IL with some great views and great wine! Looking forward to wedding shenanigans when I return.
Dad in his natural habitat- this picture was taken at Cantigny Park in the suburbs of Chicago. Dad had picked me up from Chicago O’hare airport earlier this summer when I returned from my European adventure. My number 1 fan and supporter in life!
Miranda on Kincaid Lake, invited me out with them on the 4th of July. Was a blast! Unfortunately the only pic of her I took this summer, since I’m too busy taking pictures of her first baby, Cooper (sorry Mir!) Ugh, going to miss them so much! When I see them next, their family will include one more human! Cannot wait to meet miss Ava Jean!
Sara (as always) welcomes me to stay with her while I’m in Chicago. I went there in August when I had my appointment at the French Consulate to get my visa. Had a good time with Sara and friends at this table tennis bar!
Enjoyed the day showering this glowing Mother-to-be, Cassidy. A little different “bump” than I’m used to seeing her with. (Bump, set, spike!) Can’t wait to meet baby Fisher when I return!
The most handsome golden retriever on the planet, Cooper Phillips. Also my go-to pet therapist. I’ll miss his model-like expressions the most!
And can’t forget Sig, my other roomie while in Springfield. Probably one of the most smart, loyal and obedient dogs I have ever met! I will miss you and your sniffer dearly, Sigly.
Mom and Randy drove down to Dad’s house for a visit before they knew my departure date for France. So nice to be able to spend a little time with them before being gone for so long.
So so glad that I was able to make it to my friend Whitney’s wedding in Kansas City. The wedding was in the most beautiful venue that I have ever seen! Had a nice time catching up with old high school friends as well.
Made a spur of the moment trip to visit my sister in Indiana. I also got to meet her new boyfriend, of which I approve.
Doesn’t get much better than hanging out at home! Will for sure miss this peaceful place.
Before leaving the USA, I felt totally comfortable with who I was and where I was in life: I loved my job of travel nursing, being able to chose where to go work next, as well as having the option to be close to friends and family (and the pay was definitely nothing to complain about). You could say I was super comfortable with where I was at age 25. And this my friends, is why I was super anxious about making the leap across the big pond to come to France- it was a huge step outside of my comfort zone. But I am going to do my best to embrace it and soak in every minute, for I know this experience is going to enrich my life!
The people you see in these pictures is what makes it so hard for me to leave! Luckily they have encouraged me to take this leap even when I was trying to talk myself out of it. I would not be here now in France without them and their support!!
Thank you for following along, I am looking forward to continue to write about my experiences and sharing them with you! I will have a blog about my first week in France coming out soon! Au revoir!
P.S. I now have my game schedule so let’s start planning your trip abroad!!
The Aud Blog 