In all honesty, I don’t even know how to put into words the
emotions inside of me. I’m not usually
one to admit my anxieties; sometimes I even struggle to admit them to myself,
but I’m already learning a big part of my experience here is learning to be vulnerable. My independence so often prevents me from
sharing my emotions with others, but the sooner I am able to do that, the
sooner I will “get better,” mas o menos. And really, what better time to do that than
now?
They warn us all before we leave that coming back to the
states will be a culture shock. They
warn us that no one is going to understand the life changing experience that we
just went through. I am not even two days
INTO this experience and I already can see the truth in that. There is no way anyone who is not in my
place, or who has not been in my place, will understand the emotions and
craziness that this experience brings about.
Within the first 24 hours of leaving home I had to have
cried a dozen times. I am not a crier,
so that is saying something. It wasn’t
even preventable crying. Half the time I
didn’t even know why I was crying. Combine anxiety with being alone in a
foreign country and it’s enough to make a person have a mental breakdown.
That being said, this is easily the best decision I have
ever made in my life. It is truly a test
of my independence and perseverance. As I told a friend this morning, there
is no doubt in my mind that these next two months will change the rest of my
life. I am so, so very excited to see
what adventures await me!
On another note, I met the other girls (and guy) staying in
the area and at my school as well. Having them here makes it much easier to
adjust. They all are pretty great and I
am excited to spend time exploring with them.
Today, I went for lunch at Café Crepes and it was DELICIOUS. Sonam and I both had Nutella and strawberry
crepes and Brittany had a vegetarian one.
There were so many choices we are excited to go back and try them
all! Then Brittany and I took a walk
around town. It was fun to see Santa Ana
in the daylight (since I arrived in the dark) and see how different it is from
home. Prior to leaving for lunch, I met
the OK Crew. The other girl, una otra Brittany, staying with my host
family is from OK along with four other girls (Sophie, Becca, Sierra,
Darcy) and a guy (David) who are staying nearby. It was exciting getting to know them and I am
looking forward to our upcoming endeavors.
Another exciting part of my day was the
cockroach-the-size-of-my-thumb living on my wall. Thank you again, David, for killing
that. Brings back memories of the oversized
centipedes back home.. *shudders*
Anyway, I need to get back to working on my EdTPA (the one I
swore up and down I would finish before I left the states) before dinner with
my wonderful host family and an early night to bed. Tomorrow will be my first day at school and I
am anxious (in the good way) to meet my cooperating teacher and class!
Almuerzo: Nutella y fresas- deliciosa!
Mi amigo nuevo
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