You do know you'll be there for winter, right?

I was sitting in a small conference room in front of a table that looked like it had one too many people around it.  The sun was shining through the room's large window, while the professors around the table one by one asked me questions about the study proposal I had submitted to them earlier that year.  What do you expect to get out of the experience?  Why Finland?  How does your study program align with the actions President Obama is taking in office?  Aren't you worried about the lack of sunlight there...you do know you'll be there for winter, right?  I blundered my way through most of the answers, reassuring these individuals that even if it is dark, there is a good chance I will be able to see the northern lights.  While I left the interview sure that it was the end of my Finnish adventures, an e-mail arrived in my inbox later that afternoon informing me otherwise.

Several months have now passed.  Since then, I have officially been accepted at the University of Eastern Finland.  Accommodations are arranged.  A Finnish residence permit arrived in the mail.  Plane tickets are purchased.  Coursework has initially been approved.  And my bags are packed save for a toothbrush and mittens (...I'm highlighting these two items so that I remember to bring them).

So, after an unexpectedly busy summer involving graduating from the U of M, exploring the fantastic geology of the west, helping at Breakthrough Saint Paul, visiting family on the east coast, and photographing a wedding in China, I am ready for a new adventure.  Finland will be that adventure.  In three days, I will be flying to Joensuu, an average-sized town near the Russian border where I plan to live and study for the next nine months. 

For those who are interested, please feel free to follow my blog.  As blogging is new to me, I can't promise how regularly it will be updated or the quality of the posts.  But, with some luck, there should be pictures and perhaps sporadic updates on the number of reindeer-sightings.  And, don't worry, the posts will be much shorter in the future!  Please keep me posted on your lives as well.  Skype is always a good option!

Well, I thought it would be good to close with a Finnish word.  I only know one so far, but I still think it's an appropriate ending for the first post.  Kiitos.  It means "thank you."  Not to get too cliche, but without such supportive family and friends, I would never be going on this adventure.  I love you heaps.  Thank you.  Kiitos.

Jenny