This is happening... it's really happening!

Hello everybody, Kimmie here!

I truly cannot believe that this time next week we will be in Italy on an adventure of a lifetime, still so surreal!

The past months have been a wonderful whirlwind of good times with new friends.

So to sort it all out, let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start...

I first heard of the program through my wonderful co-worker, Stacy Tiffin, who was on the GSE trip to Japan a few years ago.

I remember when I applied... didn't think I was going to be chosen because I felt I was too young, not seasoned enough for this outrageously amazing opportunity.

I remember when I interviewed... didn't think I was going to be chosen because I felt there were too many qualified candidates ahead of me. Literally, before I went into the interview I was sitting in an area with a few other folks who'd applied and were telling me about their amazing jobs and volunteer experiences. You'd have thought I was up against Ghandi and Mother Theresa...

I remember when I got the call from the most excellent Christine Goodin that I made the team... I was chosen? GOODNESS GRACIOUS GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! At first I was speechless and then I let out a shout and did a little jig! Just ask my boss, Brian Shields, he'll verify that tidbit of information haha!

Many thanks to all of District 5150 for choosing me along with my awesome team and fearless team leader, and welcoming us into your Rotary family! Every event we've attended has been fantastic. It's inspiring to see all the service projects you're working on. And it's a great feeling to truly feel welcome wherever we go.

Also many thanks to my host club, The Rotary Club of Fisherman's Wharf, for being so supportive. I promise to make you proud! And I'll return with many stories and pictures for you guys :)

So much to do before we leave!

My boyfriend Mike and I are driving to my hometown of Fresno this weekend to visit my family and drop off my cat, Wanda.

But after that, it's a whole bunch of packing and then we're off...

Ready or not, Italy... HERE WE COME!


Ciao for now!