My first week of school is complete. The month of September is the intensive month, which means I placed into level 4 and now I am just working on writing and grammar. It seems pretty laid back and easy, the opposite of the United States. Everything is so calm and peaceful here. We have class from 10-2. Half way through the first class we have a 30 minute coffee break, that would NEVER happen back in the states. Life is just simple here. They live to enjoy the simple things. Meeting up with people to go out for a coffee, or drinks or just to sit in the park and observe the beautiful surroundings. It has been very difficult for me to just relax. I am used the constant rush and on the go. It has been hard for me to slow down and really enjoy life. This experience is going to be life changing. It is a time for me to grow as a person, find myself, and the true meaning of life. Yes, I miss all my family and friends. Yes, I have cried a lot. Yes, this is a huge culture shock. Yes, I'm scared. Yes, I am very very scared. BUT this is a huge step for me. This is branching out of my comfort zone. I need this. I need to learn a new way of living and meeting new people. So every morning when I wake up, I thank the Lord for the day and praise him for this amazing opportunity that he has given me.
My host family is absolutely wonderful. Sam (my roommate) and I couldn't have asked for better. They are so accommodating and ALWAYS want us to be happy and healthy. They are concerned about everything and want us to ask them for anything whenever. It has been awesome to talk to them, all in Spanish. It is great practice for us!! The past couple days, we have sat and talked to the daughter, Yasmine. She is 27 and I already feel like she is the sister I never had. I feel so close to her and trust her with so much. She has been there for me and truly understands me. Even though, we don't speak the same language, I feel as if we understand each other. The same feelings correspond even though the words don't match. Last night we had a conversation about religion and marriage. It is unbelievable to see that the same issues that we deal with in the United States are happening all of the world. I loved listening to her and her values, beliefs, and morals. My host family is great. I am so blessed to be a part of this program and thrilled to see how close I really become with them.
On Wednesday, our group had the opportunity to take Flamenco class and then watch a performance. It was fun learning the dance and being a part of their culture. Our program, SOL has set up a number of events for us. On Monday, we actually had a tour of the the Cathedral. WOW. That was absolutely amazing!!! We couldn't take any pictures while we were in there, but it was gorgeous. The history and all the documentations and artifacts were so neat to see!!!
This weekend, my plan is to get some shopping done and still become familiar with my surroundings. Last night, we all went out for churros and chocolate. A famous dish here in Spain. It is basically fried bread dipped in chocolate. VERY greasy, but you have to try it! It's part of the culture! Tonight, we are heading to the Zaidin. Zaidin is a park not to far from where we live and I guess there are concerts going on all night. It's crazy, the earliest concert starts at 11 and the last one starts at 2:30 in the morning!!! I am telling ya, Spaniards don't sleep. That's why they have seistas!! So, I think we will check that out tonight and see what it is all about. Tomorrow, Sunday, a time for church, rest, homework, skyping with my family and Nick, and check out more of this wonderful city.
God Bless! Miss you all!!
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