Chapter 1

Writing about something that hasn't ended yet is pretty hard. The reason being because it might influence your thoughts, how you view things and what you expect the next 5 months of your lives will be. But for the sake of personal growth, tidings and because writing is so enjoyable, I'd love to share! So, if you're interested in how the adventure is so far, keep on reading :)

Let's start from the very beginning.

PREDEPARTURE CAMP

I've used this word many times but it's just amazing how you can take an ordinary teenager, put her among 48 other strangers and return after four days of camp to find that an indescribable bond has been created between these 49 once-strangers. At the camp, I've grown closer to the people I would be going to the US of A with probably because we understand each other. The camp has also opened my eyes to how selfless a person can be. The volunteers who headed the camp just inspired me. I just feel they're a great example of people who devote their time and energy into something they really believe in. Having been through it, I can tell you that saying goodbye is pretty tough and you may not fully understand until you've experienced it yourself.

ARRIVAL ORIENTATION

Riding on a bus to the next terminal in LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT is one thing, but stepping out of the airplane onto American soil is a whole different feeling. I mean, what more can I say? It's the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Before being dispersed into our respective states, we had a 3-day-2-night camp and had the opportunity to stay at the Hilton Hotel! Our first taste of America was a tour around Washington DC and what I personally loved the most was the beautiful architecture of the brick buildings covered in snow. Being from a tropical country, even a short walk across the street FREEZED us to death at first. Our batch was very lucky to meet the Deputy Prime Minster of Malaysia at the Four Seasons Hotel and I'm telling you the free food just made it even better! And to much of everyone's excitement, the 8TV channel would be making their second season of Field Trip USA which is something like a travel documentary surrounding the lives of 13 students under this program airing on national television! The debate on who would be on the show and why only 13 out of 49 students get to be on it is pass me because when it comes down to it, all of us participants should have joined this program not for some publicity stunt but because of the richness this Youth, Exchange and Study (YES) program brings to our lives. But what I do think is that this TV program would be a great way to promote this program even more so PLEASE stay tuned! Yes, I am advertising it. It will premiere probably in September! :D

Who said I can't reach the top?

Satu Malaysia!

MONTANA

As I looked out of the airplane window, I was just literally taken aback by the majestic snow-capped mountains and the vast fields that just take your breath away. Look at the pictures - it looks like it's straight out of a postcard! Where I live has more scenic landscapes and is much more peaceful than a hectic city. It changes your stereotypical view of America. Charlo, Montana is a small community where everybody knows everybody and that's just what makes it all the more homely :) People are so friendly and if your car gets stuck in a ditch, you can count on the next passer-by to stop and lend you a hand. Even though I come from the small city of Kota Kinabalu, I feel that city life is still prominent and sometimes robs us from some things you get living in the countryside.

Arriving at Missoula Airport

Syifaq and I :D

It's just been one month but my host family has been lovely and having siblings is quite different for me as I was an only child. A good kind of different :D I love my siblings for brightening up my day and bringing so much excitement every day even if there are occasional fights and sibling rivalry. My first meal in Montana was a restaurant called Fuddruckers and I just fell in love with the food but that's probably because I like food. Haha. I do miss Malaysian food but it's nice to try some American food too. They serve WAY big portions here and if you have a sweet tooth, this is the place for you!

Helping my family paint the house!

Home

My room :)

What I've gained the most from this first month has probably got to be family. It surprises me how infinite happiness can be. I'm grateful to be from a close-knit family of three and I'd never change a thing. But I also feel blessed to be placed in a host family with three siblings as it brings a whole different perspective. There is no right or wrong. It's just different :) So far, I've had the benefit of making some brownies which are heaven! I've gone bowling and enjoyed it despite getting the ball in the gutter multiple times. And game nights are just a great time for bonding when playing board games whether it's just assembling Leggo with my little brother or painting the mountains with my sister. My family love love love watching movies and I'm not complaining (:

We are standing on a frozen lake! No, it didn't crack.

Me: Are you sure I'm doing it right?

As for first impressions, the reactions I get from Americans continue to make me laugh. The wackiest one yet is when I got introduced to this lady and the first thing she said was "Waw, you have very white teeth." And I had to fight myself from laughing and my head was just racing trying to figure out how in the world should I reply to that remark. I mean, really, white teeth? Haha. And I'm glad to show as many Americans as I can that Malaysians do speak English well and it continues to surprise many of them actually. It is satisfying to get the message across to them that Malaysians are Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Bahai, Taoist, and many more because misconceptions are bound to appear.  You can't entirely blame them.

Well, all in all, this first part has been pretty daunting at times but a pure joy to learn things you've never thought of. I am still the same person as I was a month ago but probably a bit heavier. Heavier in knowledge, experiences, independence, wisdom, and I haven't weighed myself but I have a feeling I am a tad bit heavier in weight. Teehee. What? I am living a dream and a traveller has got to eat! There are too many new delicacies to try rather than be on the losing end and think about silly stuff like diet-ing in an adventure like this. So, thou shall not worry. Sports season for softball is coming up and I shall whip into shape! As my host mom would say, "You can have anything in moderation." Agreed.

Thank you, Lord for this neverending journey.

Stay tuned for the second chapter which will be up soon. Patience is key.