It's The Halfway Mark...

Monday March 10, 2008

 Today it has been exactly two months since I left the United States to come to Spain. What a good time to reflect on how much has happened since I have left! It seems like I have been here forever, but I can’t believe that I only have half of my time left. Some days seem shorter than others but overall this semester seems as though it has just flown by. I can honestly say that this semester has been one of the best choices that I’ve made so far in my 21 years of existence. It’s hard for me to sit here and figure out all of the ways that I’ve changed, but there are a few things that I notice from time to time. I think once I get home I’m going to be able to see more of these changes and I think that people that I know really well will be able to point them out as well. When Aaron was here he mentioned that I had changed a bit, but not in a bad way. I think that my travels have made me more of a lax and go-with-the-flow type of person. Many times while being here there have been things that are completely out of my control, and with these things I have learned to relax a bit and let things happen.

 I’ve come to appreciate all of my relationships with people and with friends in general. I never knew now dependent I was on the people that I love. I talk to my parents every weekend and I always find myself asking how my grandparents, sister and the rest of my family are. It has just become a weekly routine to talk to them. I honestly think that I talk to them more now while I’m farther away than when I was back at Simpson. Ironic, I think. As far as friends, I’m constantly writing on people’s walls, writing e-mails and wondering how everything is going with them. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I haven’t completely been forgotten about. Their messages, Facebook posts, letters, packages, and e-mails, as dumb as it sounds, make my weeks here. I don’t know what I would do without them. I could be having the crappiest day ever, and a two-sentence e-mail or post really does turn my day upside down. I love hearing about how they are doing, keeping up with their lives, even if they think that they are telling me things that are “boring” or “dumb.” Everything is of interest to me here. It’s really interesting to see the people that have taken the time out of their busy days to keep in contact with me. You can really tell who you’re true friends are when you leave for such a large period of time.  But overall, I appreciate my friends and family more being here. I miss everyone quite horribly. I have to keep myself from looking at any of the pictures of them on Facebook while I’ve been gone because it brings me to tears every time I think about all of the memories that I have missed out on. But I have to remind myself while they are making stories without me at home, I’m creating my own here as well.

 So I guess this is a just a big “thank you” to everyone that has been there for me for the past couple of months. Your love and support means more to me than you can understand. I love, love Spain, but no one here could ever replace you. So next time you sit down to write an e-mail, send a card or message, know that it is greatly appreciated and that I miss you more than I can explain. Thanks Again…Love Emily.