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I call this the roller coaster because it is full of ups and downs. Many people think that traveling or studying abroad for an extended amount of time is just full of ups, but the reality is that downs do come with the deal. Lately, it occurred to me as to how long I'm actually going to be away from the USA. In the big scheme of things, it's not that bad though.
Before embarking on this journey, I was wrapped up in finishing school. The week leading up to this was as follows (add in meals, saying see you laters, a bunch of naps, more hours of studying and paper writing, and some down time so that I didn't go insane):
Sunday: meetings for group projects
Monday: classes (with a group presentation)
Tuesday: classes (with a group presentation); celebrating my birthday
Wednesday: my actual birthday spent studying the hours away
Thursday: final exam
Friday: final exam
Saturday: final exam & paper due;FINISHED UNDERGRAD!; pack/clean & move out of my dorm room; drive back home; church; last minute shopping; pack for my trip
Sunday: leave the USA
...so in that whirlwind, things weren't able to exactly sink in. I was pretty much on autopilot trying to get everything done.
I *think* I'm currently in the "culture shock/acute homesickness" stage, but I'm not exactly sure where I am on that part of the curve. Things are definitely different on this side of the world. I'm missing family & friends, but I know that is to be expected. By the way, I'm incredibly grateful for the internet, Skype, Facebook, and email because they allow me to keep in touch with people!--and I'm also incredibly grateful for my supportive family & friends who are there for me despite being oceans away! Oh, other things I miss: my car (even though I probably wouldn't want to drive it at the moment with the snow/ice back home) and my guitar (& ukulele!)--I really hope I can find one soon to play.
...so in that whirlwind, things weren't able to exactly sink in. I was pretty much on autopilot trying to get everything done.
I *think* I'm currently in the "culture shock/acute homesickness" stage, but I'm not exactly sure where I am on that part of the curve. Things are definitely different on this side of the world. I'm missing family & friends, but I know that is to be expected. By the way, I'm incredibly grateful for the internet, Skype, Facebook, and email because they allow me to keep in touch with people!--and I'm also incredibly grateful for my supportive family & friends who are there for me despite being oceans away! Oh, other things I miss: my car (even though I probably wouldn't want to drive it at the moment with the snow/ice back home) and my guitar (& ukulele!)--I really hope I can find one soon to play.
Anywho, I'm taking in all the experiences as they come and as I see more of the world on this roller coaster ride.
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
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