Daily writing prompt
What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself?
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Other than a few Greyhound trips to visit a friend and a move for a new job I had never travelled very far from home on my own.

The move 500 miles away with my now ex-husband was scary enough, but what I was considering in 1992 was nothing short of terrifying.

In college I was a language major, so when the Russian Language department announced to it students that they were establishing a summer study abroad program to Russia – a five week program.

I was interested in going, but there were so many obstacles to consider…not the least of which was money.

And the anxiety went on overload…a trans-Atlantic flight – I had never been on a plane (a puddle jumper at nine months doesn’t count), a foreign country – never been outside the U.S., it was a group of about 35 people – none of whom I knew!

And then my mother fuels the fire – she’s afraid of flying!

Grants were made available, so the money issue is solved; but there is a lot of supplies needed for the five week trip.

One issue resolved…mostly.

In steps Dad, who has done a great deal of traveling with his job and has flown all over the country. It took him two days to calm me down enough not to be so afraid of flying.

Major professor was in charge of the whole event and he had been to Russia several times (he was a translator for the NRC). So many meeting were held on what was needed – everything including toilet paper! He emphasized how to act, what to do, and most importantly how to behave. (don’t look men in the eye and assault is not a crime!)

The big day finally arrives and wouldn’t you know it, the flight to New York for the international flight required three puddle jumper flights! We go from Tallahassee to Charlotte – lay over – oh good, call Dad!!

I had survived and enjoyed the trip!

My first trip to NYC…we land at Kennedy Airport, spend the night at the airport hotel, and get on a bus for the trip to LaGuardia for the international flight.

Eight hours later we land in Helsinki for the final flight to St. Petersburg. OK, I got this!

The adventure had begun and in the end, I was glad I had gone…I even went back the next year!