Life is Change

Just over twelve hours until my journey in Spain comes to a close.  My luggage is crammed into space bags, my backpack squeezed to the brim, and the only thing staying behind are my stained corduroys and the most incredible experience of my life.  As I look back on my first entry in which I stated some of my primary goals, I cannot help but be so happy and proud at what I have accomplished in a very short time.  My Spanish has improved by leaps and bounds and I learned more about Spain and its culture than I could have imagined.  I have made unforgettable friends and connections with people who cared for me and made sure that I was having the best experience possible.  After having just finished my Spanish comprehension test a few hours ago, I can say that the journey has not been easy, but the difficulties were so far outdone by the accomplishments and amazing times that it was all well worth it.

I have no doubt that I will miss Spain dearly and all the friends that I have made.  Earlier today, we had a farewell lunch, and I could not believe that a few months ago, we were standing in a circle sharing what our goals were for the upcoming months.  Studying abroad has been my dream since I knew I wanted to go to college, but the experiences have been such that I could not have even imagined the unbelievable experiences that awaited me.  I visited the Canary Islands, Morocco, Portugal, Barcelona, Madrid, and so many other cities that once were a figment of my imagination.  Undoubtedly, I will cherish these memories until my great-grandkids complain that they’re tired of hearing my stories about riding camels in the Sahara Desert.  There have been so many small moments and blips of time that I will look back on in ten years and remember the special opportunities that I had.  I am so thankful to God for every single moment that I have been blessed with, and I cannot wait to reunite with family, friends, and mommy’s cooking. 

Tomorrow, I will be leaving Spain destined for Rome.  After a few days in Italy, I will be flying to Greece where I will then spend some time before going to Germany.  My Spanish dream may be over for now, but I am so excited to visit three of the most captivating countries in the world.  As I finish my blog and cram my laptop into the last small crevice of my luggage, I am zipping closed the most amazing five months of my life.  Nevertheless, life is change, and I look forward to making new and incredible memories.

Thank you so much for following my blog, and I hope that the next time you hear from me, I will be working for change in the poor regions of Africa.  Until next time!

Morocco

Canary Islands

Portugal

My last week in Granada.