This is the Home-Stretch

My New Family 

"So my dear friends here in Spain who are feeling the pangs of homesickness, let's be each others inspiration. We have done something great just by being here, let's finish strong and come out even stronger. We are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, let's take the utmost advantage of that. Let's have fun and do what we came here to do. At least for me, that was to grow and learn. Sí se pueden mis amigos. Yes we can my friends."  -Crystal Blankenbaker 




In exactly 44 days I will be getting on my flight and heading back to the states. I am excited to see my family and friends and to be able to tell everyone of my amazing travels here in Europe and all that I've learned but I am also sad that my journey is coming to an end. Bittersweet is the perfect word for all of this. I never thought I would be saying that I have friends in all of Latin America, and in countries in Europe, this has truly been a blessing! But recently, some of my friends and I have been feeling the pains of homesickness, with the stress of finals, the sicknesses that come with the ever changing weather here, and the lack of regular communication from our homes we are all feeling a little down and homesick. Solution to our problem? Anyone? Anyone? Yea, we don't have much of an idea either. All we can do is enjoy our time here and make the most of it. I found a quote recently that really stuck with me and definitely applies to this; "The trick is to enjoy life, don't wish away your days waiting for better ones ahead." That quote is perfect, here we are wishing away our days for when we get to be back home with our families and friends when we really should be enjoying ourselves and doing all that we can while we're here, because after-all, when are we going to get this opportunity again? I'm learning so many new things here and I can't wait to bring back all my knowledge to the states but I also have a passion to keep learning and I can honestly say I do NOT want this to be my one and only time here in Europe but I will definitely keep living like it is. That being said, I know that my friends that are feeling homesick just as I am, are not taking our travels for granted but I the only advice I have for you is that THIS time, THIS place, and THESE people will never be the same as they are now, so while we have it, grasp the moment and believe in yourself; we should not leave this place and think "Did I do all I wanted to do? Did I grow as much as I could have?" Because questions like that will haunt us for the rest of our lives. At times I still feel the MAJOR pains of not being able to pick up the phone and call my family or not being able to have lazy Sunday's with some of my best friends but then I remember that I will only have THIS moment and that all of those things I am so desperately missing will be waiting for me with arms wide open when I step off that plane in June. So my dear friends, like our friend Crystal said, sí se pueden mis amigos, yes we can my friends...and trust me, in the end we'll be glad that we did! 

My roommates have made me stronger and wiser. I really am SO blessed!