Hi, Meghan and welcome. I think for 15, you sound very mature & very smart to realize that you should do alot of research before you make a lifetime commitment.
As far as shipping,
We had Talon shipped from Florida to Mass. during the cold December. (not too cold tho) It was touch and go, as you can not ship during certain temperatures. Our grey was brought to the airport at 8am, and I picked her up at 4pm. She was very young, 9 1/2 weeks old. She did very well. It cost me $150.
Keep us posted on how you are doing, and what you decide.