Time for a week 2 update! It is crazy to think I have been here two weeks. You will probably get sick of hearing me say that I am surprised at how much time has passed because I will probably say it every week. haha. I am so grateful for every moment I am able to spend here. Like the title suggests, this week was a blur and packed with many new and different experiences, people, and thoughts. I am going to try to unpack some of these things with you, but keep in mind that it took me 3 hours to tell my parents about my week, so I will only be able to scratch the surface.
Here are some of this week's components (There is no way I could go day-by-day, so if you want to know more about something, feel free to ask.):
1. International Student Orientation
-I can not even express how excited I was for other international students to arrive and for the opportunity to meet and get to know them. It has been great to have time to get settled with only a few other students, but I was anxious to meet some of my future classmates and friends! Orientation started Wednesday and included lots of get to know you games, important information, and a placement quiz(eek!). There are students from all over including the US(2 others from NC!), France, Germany, England, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Puerto Rico and I am sure other places as well. I do not have the group picture of all of us yet, but when I get it, I will share it with all of you. I am used to attending a school alongside a lot of international students from around the world, so it is weird to think that I am a part of that group now. I can't really explain it. I have met some pretty cool people and I can not wait to get to know them better. I am also grateful for the faculty and current students that are helping to enhance and better my university experiences.
2. Pre-semester Spanish Course Ended
-Friday was my last class for my pre-semester course...which means classes start Monday! What?! I am still not really sure what my semester will look like, but I have learned that it is a process here that allows for change, exploration, and flexibility. I am grateful for that. It has been cool to see how a bond has formed between me and the other students in this course(2 from US and 1 from Belgium). If I had run into the two girls from the US at home, I do not think that we would be friends. But interesting circumstances can lead to interesting formation of relationships. It is clear that we all feel a responsibility to look out for one another and care for one another, even if we all end up having different friends while we are here. I had an interesting conversation with Vale(Valentina-my older host sister) the other day about how if she meets someone in Spain from Uruguay, they will instantly become like a brother or sister to her, even if they never knew each other before. But because the US is so vast and filled with different cultures, that is not necessarily the case for me. It really got me thinking.
3. "Spontaneous Adventures"
-Let me define what I mean by this, since this will mean different things to different people. What I really mean is that I have found myself in a large number of various situations due to misfortunate events-with a positive spin. haha. Most of these have to do with he bus system. God has been teaching me this week to be flexible, patient, and humble. I have become aware that I often feel entitled to things such as a working car whenever I want or need it, the ability to sleep and isolate myself whenever I want, as well as the choice of community and fellowship. All of these things are not always in my power and control and I have found that God has been shaping and molding me to embrace every situation with humility and flexibility. For example, I was late to school 4 out of 5 days this week due to various problems that I encountered. It would have been so easy to get frustrated and crumble under the overwhelming feelings of continued failure when I am trying to be intentional and responsible. I have also continually had to release control to other people and systems instead of possessing it all on my own. But most importantly, these feelings of failure and lack of control has helped to bring me back to the only one that can and does not fail and is control of more than I am even able to grasp with my feeble brain. Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable in this space.
4. Family Time
-I have gotten to spend quality time with both my host sisters and my host mom this week. One night this week, I was able to go to a kind of "girls' night" with Valentina at her friends' apartment. She has been so nice to share herself and her friends with me. Her three friends welcomed me graciously and encouraged me that they would look out for me when Vale leaves. I am so glad that I had that experience, even though I mostly just observed and listened, as I was unable to comprehend and participate in their "girl talk," filled with rapid language, and local vocabulary and slang. I also went to a spinning class at the gym with Vale this week. That was another awesome experience I am not getting into. Last night, I went to the mall and a movie with Gaby and Euge. I was exhausted after having a long day(I got up early to go on a tour of the city with other international students-no time or energy to talk talk about that. haha.) and came home to Gaby telling me I had 2 choices: go to a birthday party with Vale or go shopping and to a movie with them. A big part of me wanted there to be a #3: sleep until morning. But I had to surrender my desires and I chose to go with her and Euge. I am so glad I did. The mall was crowded and stressful, but the movie theater was probably the coolest theater I have ever been to. You go to a kiosk and choose your movie, show time, seats, and snacks and then you go to the concession stand to pick it up(and you can choose between sweet or salty popcorn!!! SOOO GOOD!!). The movie theater only shows American movies with Spanish subtitles, so I felt right at home. Anyway, it was fun to share that experience with them.
Ahhhhhhhhhh.....I literally just had a big sigh after writing all of that. There are so many thought, feelings, and sore muscles lingering that remind me of this week. Excited for what is to come. Thank you for being patient as I unwound all of these things with you, without the use of pictures. You are troopers. haha.
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