Thursday, September 20, 2007

Is this Normal?

Alright everyone, I am going to be very honest, this hasn’t been an easy trip so far. For starters, I caught a nasty cough on the trip over that I still haven’t kicked. Secondly, I made the mistake of having a long layover in Atlanta, a side trip to Germany, and an overnight stay in Stansted Airport in London, all before making it to Granada, Spain. While I have wonderful memories from Germany, the trip did mess with my emotions and physical wellbeing. And mostly, I have been battling a nasty case of homesickness; I have spent the last two days plotting ways to get home. When I called my parents, and they told me that I had to stay for at least two weeks, I really started to fall apart. It got so bad that I even developed a plan that involved me packing up and flying home without my parents’ knowledge, and having my cousin Ruth pick me up in Omaha and dropping me off on my parents’ doorstep. I even decided that if my parents didn’t want me home, I could go sleep on my dear friend Kate’s couch. (Un)Fortunately, Ruth and her husband John love me like my parents do, and wouldn’t help me execute my plan. I know that I will thank them in the end.

So, with my hopes of going home squashed like a bug, I took up an invitation to go to a bar for a glass of wine and some topas (appetizers). After having a nice discussion with my new friend Sean, and a very nice glass of wine, I actually felt like I might be able to do this. I know that I will still get homesick, (maybe if I didn’t have such AMAZING parents this wouldn’t be so bad) and that I will struggle with the language, but I think I am going to be able to do this.

I am asking everyone who reads this to please say a prayer for me, and to send positive thoughts my way. With the help of God, my family, and my friends, I am going to do my best to continue on and reach my goal of learning to speak Spanish.

4 comments:

Coggins said...

Stay strong in SPACE you are a shining star to us all- come back in Dec. with lots of smoozes and memories!!!!

Jonnie said...

Dear Sarah, We want you to know we are thinking of you and praying for you. You are a very courageous young woman. We feel e you will begin to settle in and will love your time in Spain. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to be in such different surroundings and dealing with a different language, too. I feel you will look back at this first time in Europe as a wonderful experience. Take it a day at a time! Love and Prayers, Pete and Jonnie

jeremy said...

you can do it! you'll love it! you'll be so glad you did!

t. hall said...

It'll be hard at first, but worth it in the end. Just make sure you keep getting out there and spending time with the people around you. Being involved and staying busy helps you learn more about the culture, and also makes for a happier time away. We all love you and are praying from you on this side of the pond. You're amazing!