One Year Ago

Sitting in my living room tonight I can't believe a year ago I was packing to go to Spain. I had no idea what to expect and now I still have no regrets. I made friends that I miss dearly today. Mica, Noemi, Shirley, Vicki, Cortina, Luis, Raquel y Luis, Abel. These people made my stay in Spain one of the best experiences of my life! If there was a way to teleport somewhere, Oviedo would be the top of my list even if it was just to get a slice of tortilla and a hug from Mica.

I had so many opportunities to travel. London, Malaga, Madrid, Toledo, Barcelona, San Sebastian, Santiago de Compestela, Gijon, Aviles. No matter how long the trip lasted it was precious time seeing God's beautiful creation. I was able to see some of the most famous places on Earth. I would not trade this experience for anything!

The professors shaped my future by patiently teaching their language and culture to me. They made me realize that I can do whatever I put my mind to! I can step out of my comfort zone and still succeed.

My host mom, even though we didn't have the best relationship, opened her beautiful home to me. She is one person that I wish I would have spent more time getting to know. If I could go back I would have done more to share Christ with her.

The last few months have not been easy. I am thankful for old friends who do not give up on me. Thanks to new friends who have been a blessing. But I never thought readjusting after just a few months abroad would be as hard as it is.

I miss everything about Spain. No one understands, nor really cares all that much. Life is getting back to the new version of normal to me. The person who left a year ago has been transformed for the better. When I attended church for the last time in Oviedo, I told them that I was leaving a part of my heart in Oviedo. I never thought that it would be as true as it is today. Hopefully 2011 proves itself to be a year of blessings as well. It has a lot to live up to. 2010 was a great year.