Bonjour!

The big day is approaching too quickly for me to prepare myself (9 days to be exact). The emotions associated with temporarily uprooting your life are indescribable. Don't get me wrong, I have been anxiously awaiting this day for the past few months; however, as we near August 24, 2011, "anxious" turns into so many other feelings. It's not easy being excited, scared, unsure, hopeful, proud, and optimistic all at the same time. But that's the fun in it :)

Everything has turned out wonderfully so far, and I have MANY people to thank for that. First of all, my beautiful mother, Kay Legendre, for being my strength and support through this life-changing experience. Also, Dr. Luke Cashen of Nicholls. He's the one that got me going and pushed me to take this amazing opportunity. Dr. Michele Baillet was also of great assistance. There are not enough words to describe my gratitude to Dr. Allayne Barilleaux. She has been a constant source of support, especially in making this trip financially feasible. She is a long-time friend and an extremely strong and successful woman that I look up to and admire greatly. Mrs. Debbie Benoit has also been extremely helpful and optimistic about making this experience possible. I would also like to thank the Nicholls State University Financial Aid Office; ya gotta have money, LoL!!! There are many other people from Nicholls State University who have helped to make this possible to me, and to you all, I am very grateful.
Another VERY BIG THANKS goes out to the staff at ESCE. They have been most helpful in advising me and helping me to make sure I cross all my "t"s and dot all my "i"s. A VERY BIG THANKS ESPECIALLY to Dr. Ron Simeral of ESCE (especially from my mother!) In addition to giving me some of the best advice I've ever been given, Dr. Simeral also offered to take me in and be my lifeline in Paris, just in case. Believe me when I say my mother will forever love him for this :)
MOST IMPORTANTLY: GOD. He makes EVERYTHING happen.
So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to everyone who has been there for me along the way in making this a reality.

On a lighter note, what has been most difficult so far is PACKING! How's a girl to limit herself on shoes for  4 months?!?! It's nearly impossible.  And of course I have to have my Clinique supply, which is by no means small. ( I will miss my Clinique girls so much!) I am hoping and praying that my luggage does not bust at the seams on the way. As for coming back, some of it will HAVE TO BE shipped. Why? Because I got an apartment in the Champs-Elysees!! (Only the home of the most famous shopping avenue in the word, no biggie!) I see it coming: I will have to live on French bread alone to support my shopping habits (and maybe a little wine, too, haha!) .

With all that being said, I think that is all for now--the most important stuff anyway, because there is no possible way to document the gazillion different thoughts going through my mind. I will try my hardest to post most.

Have a good day, y'all!

À plus tard,
Kristen