Why are you here?

We met in Mead Chapel last night for the Language Convocation.

The Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese students all proudly boasted their particular language school. But not before Middlebury President, Laurie Patton, asked one important question.

Why are you here?

She proceeded to state that no matter the specific reasons for traveling to Middlebury, we all have acted out of courage.

Well, as I head to dinner for the last time in English, I am not feeling so courageous. Scared, panicked, stressed, anxious, a bit excited...? Yeah, that's more like it.

8 weeks--entirely in Chinese. No Snapchat, Facebook (besides posting the blog, of course), Instagram, Netflix...

Sounds fun, right? Actually, it is. Because as I sign the language pledge tonight, I am reminded of Patton's closing words.

"Where you are right now is as important as what you want to do."

It's a process. I am here because I love Chinese, but I also love Hesston College. This way, I can do both. I am here because as Patton said, "We can build peace through languages."

And yeah, I guess I am here because I am courageous.

But it wouldn't hurt for you to say a pray for me anyway :)