Journey’s End
“And as I return, my thoughts turn to homecoming: Journey’s end.
Because in a sense, it’s the coming back, the return
which gives meaning to the going forth. We
really don’t know where we’ve been until we’ve come back to where we were. Only, where we were may not be as
it was because of who we’ve become.
Which is, after all, why we left.”
~ Bernard Stevens, Northern
Exposure
Update:
About one month ago, my semester in Spain came to a close. And
after over a month of being home, I still don’t think I have fully realized or grasped
just how truly blessed of a semester I have had, and how much I have learned.
Looking back, I know that I have achieved my goals of improving my Spanish
speaking skills as well as being immersed in a new culture by living with a
host family, taking Spanish classes, traveling throughout Spain and interacting
with the people of Toledo…but it has been about much more than just achieving
these goals. The lessons I learned and my overall experience abroad is something
I will take with me throughout the rest of my life.
To conclude my One Chance blogs about my study abroad
experience in Spain, I would like to say a few “thank yous” to those who helped
make my experience so incredible.
Thank You:
My Spanish family:
Whom I miss and think about every single day, thank you for your hospitality,
your laughter, and your joy you blessed me with as I lived in your house for
three months that went by too fast. Thank you for giving me a home across the
world, and for always reminding me that I am welcome home at any time. I miss
you all very much.
My friends: Both
near and far, I will always remember how we went through the semester together,
whether it was traveling, classes, or walking around Toledo and telling our
host family stories. Thank you for providing an ear to listen, and sometimes
being a slice of home and familiarity with me while in Spain. With this common
experience under our belts, I can’t wait to see where we will all go next.
The Fund: For
being the best international school with the best professors, program
coordinators and staff. For teaching me that I am capable of Spanish all day
every day, and for providing the support we needed to make our experience in
Toledo the best.
Travels: For all
the amazing sights and memories, and for teaching me that I am capable and
independent. Thank you for blessing me with the travel bug to get back out
there and explore more of this beautiful world God created as soon as possible.
TOLEDO: For being
a medieval city unlike any other place I have ever seen or experienced, and
making me feel like I was back in time as I walked your streets. To the people,
the places and the sights - all of these aspects made my experience complete.
Most importantly…my supporters, my family and friends back
home who were cheering me on and praying for me the whole semester. You know
that I couldn’t have done it without you!
Not the end, but the
start to a new beginning
Upon returning home, I thought, “alright, now what.” I have
had this amazing experience and learned and gained so much, and couldn’t stop
thinking about where to go from here.
I am happy to be home in Minnesota with my family, friends
and familiar places, but I am serious when I say I think about Toledo, my host
family, and some aspect of my experience there every day. Thinking back
makes me miss it all a lot, but also makes me feel very grateful and blessed.
I have gotten into my summer routine with my job and other
weekly activities, and made some summer goals I hope to achieve. I have trips
with family and friends planned and in the making. With the intent of being
adventurous and making time with the people in my life, I know it will be a
busy and blessed summer. Summer is my favorite time of the year, and I plan on
living it to the fullest. I don’t know what is in store for me once summer
ends, once school rolls around again. After a semester abroad, people have told
me that this upcoming fall semester will be challenging, and I believe them.
But I have been challenged and stretched, and God has shown me that I can do
it, that through Him I am strong enough.
Like I said before, I am still not sure all I have learned
and how I have changed after a semester abroad, but I know a few things for
sure: I am capable of anything I trust God with and put my mind to, and time
goes by really quick, so enjoying where you are at in the moment is so very
important. With these things in mind, I will go day by day where God leads me,
enjoying every new adventure and opportunity that He blesses me with.
My adventure has just begun. My One Chance is not over.
Have I not commanded
you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the
Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
Until my next adventure,
Sarah
