All I can Say is Surreal...
I'm beginning to think I'll never really have the words to express what this experience has been life for me; and maybe that's ok. Yes I want to share this with all the people who love me and have missed me. I'm aware that they're dying to hug and question me and they just want to hear alllll about it. But, when it comes down to it, sharing all of Greece will always be like sharing an inner secret quiet place deep inside my soul; sharing Greece will be like sharing a hidden part of myself, and I'm not sure that's something I can ever fully do.
I've met people here, great people, new friends; but at the same time, I've also never had such an independent experience, never been so incredibly on my own in so many ways. I can do it, I can be away from all the people I routinely lean on. Does that mean I always want to be on my own away from them? No, not in the least. But I do know now that I can survive, that I am strong, and that there are times in my life that it's so incredibly important that I take opportunities for me. This has been for me, entirely for me. And yes, perhaps a bit selfishly to some extent, but at the end of the day, I see how important it's been. I know that I could probably find myself and learn more anywhere, including Wooster, or home, but I feel like Greece has been a significant stepping stone for my life and its progression. Being here allows for some perspective that cannot be gained from the "usual" life I lead. Separating myself from all of that (as much as is truly possible) has allowed me to view some aspects of my life in a new or different light. I still see certain things the same way...
Just like with Nicaragua, when I saw a whole different world (mind you much differently than Greece), I hope that I can maintain the impact and change it has provided me in my daily life. I feel like 4 months here can be more life changing in some ways than 3 weeks in Nicaragua. I don't want to be the same after this trip, I don't want to fall back into the very things which I feel like I've had time to re-evaluate. Only time will truly tell how this abroad experience has effected and changed me...
I'm heartbroken to be leaving, estatic to see my mom in a couple of days, anxious to be home, torn up for this to end...
...I feel like a chapter is closing and a new one beginning and that brings sadness and rejoicing...
and FYI: I'm back in Central PA May 27th...
I've met people here, great people, new friends; but at the same time, I've also never had such an independent experience, never been so incredibly on my own in so many ways. I can do it, I can be away from all the people I routinely lean on. Does that mean I always want to be on my own away from them? No, not in the least. But I do know now that I can survive, that I am strong, and that there are times in my life that it's so incredibly important that I take opportunities for me. This has been for me, entirely for me. And yes, perhaps a bit selfishly to some extent, but at the end of the day, I see how important it's been. I know that I could probably find myself and learn more anywhere, including Wooster, or home, but I feel like Greece has been a significant stepping stone for my life and its progression. Being here allows for some perspective that cannot be gained from the "usual" life I lead. Separating myself from all of that (as much as is truly possible) has allowed me to view some aspects of my life in a new or different light. I still see certain things the same way...
Just like with Nicaragua, when I saw a whole different world (mind you much differently than Greece), I hope that I can maintain the impact and change it has provided me in my daily life. I feel like 4 months here can be more life changing in some ways than 3 weeks in Nicaragua. I don't want to be the same after this trip, I don't want to fall back into the very things which I feel like I've had time to re-evaluate. Only time will truly tell how this abroad experience has effected and changed me...
I'm heartbroken to be leaving, estatic to see my mom in a couple of days, anxious to be home, torn up for this to end...
...I feel like a chapter is closing and a new one beginning and that brings sadness and rejoicing...
and FYI: I'm back in Central PA May 27th...