Nearly time to go.

Ok, first things first. I have never blogged, attempted to blog, tried blogging or blogtypewritten anything of this nature before. Some say it is never good to start with a negative and since blogging has become quite the e-hobby for some there are those out who would take the opening statement as a negative. I myself see it as a postive due to the fact I have had better things to do like building forts from duvets and raising puppies into respectable adult dogs who can really sow back into society instead of dirtying the pavement outside of Mcdonalds in Taunton.

I hope this blog to be something you can read, should you also not have better things to do like the aforementioned activities I mentioned above, that would keep you informed of what I am doing in America over the next ten months. The aim is to update weekly, this is the aim, the reality maybe I update every eight to ten days but what are a few days between friends (unless you need picking up from a station or bus depot, if so then make every effort to be on time).

The last week has been somewhat crazy, finishing work, trying to get all the banking stuff sorted, final few gigs with the band for the next ten months and seeing Rob Bell up close who was buying a Pieminister at Greenbelt. The guy is tall, like Dave Griff tall or Allyn Usher tall. Not just to cool for school but too tall for the hall.

Greenbelt was interesting, very hippyish, quite cool and a real experience. We played a great set to around 300 or so people, most of whom we did not recognise and seeing people singing along to our songs is always a surreal yet welcome experience. I am going to miss the bosh boys while I am away, the friendships I have with Grant, Dave, Mike and James are irreplaceable. I will also miss English bread, real Yorkshire tea, good crisps and fresh fruit and veg. I hear in America it's all meat, even the vegetarians eat solely meat, oh and chips (or fries). The taps dispense soda (coca cola or lemonade type drinks to you and me) and the streets are paved with rice. This is all hearsay but if it's not true I am coming straight home.

It would also be prudent to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me in this adventure I am about to embark upon. Your prayers, gifts and encouragement have meant so much more than money, words or presents could ever say. From applying to the school in the second week of July to having raised all the money I needed by the beginning of August and then getting my visa and flights just over a week ago, what a ride! I fly on wednesday at 17:50 and apparently arrive in America at 20:05 Central Standard East West Mountain time.

Keep up with me here and on facebook and on the bosh myspace and on BBC news 24.

For now it is shower time. Peace out y'all.

Matt