It is the weirdest feeling in the world to think about how to spend your last week in the country. It is absolutely mind-bending to think about how in just one week from today I will be fleeing the continent. If possible, I think I am in an even greater state of denial than I was a week ago. Spain in one week? Impossible!
I experienced my first round of impossible goodbyes this weekend, and it was just as horrible as I imagined. But at the same time, it was a glorious weekend at Taylor, and I am so so so soooo very thankful that I got the chance to spend a last bit of time with my First South girlies and other friends there. Now I am home again, and I am preparing for this final crazy week of packing and saying final goodbyes. This is unreal.
I am realizing more and more how important it is going to be for me to be really intentional about this trip. I'll need to be intentional about enjoying myself, intentional about making friends, intentional about being open and willing to learn. If I am not, it will be way too easy to spend the semester being miserable. But that would be a waste of my time and a waste of time for all the people who have loved me and helped me get this far. And as a friend said to me, "Since you can't be here once you're there, you might as well enjoy being there." I guess maybe I'm writing this here so that you can all help keep me accountable. You can help remind me how awesome this experience is and all that I'm going to gain from it.
At this exact moment in time, I am scared out of my mind, and I don't want to go. Recent life happenings have made it even harder for me to want to leave Taylor. Yet I know that Spain is where I am supposed to spend next semester, and I know that if I didn't go, I would spend the rest of my life wishing I had.
Back in the USA
16 years ago
Hey, this is Caitlin. I just wanted to let you know that I will certainly be checking this to see how your time is in Spain is going, so you better make sure and update. =) I love you and I hope your packing is going well.
ReplyDeleteI know that you know that Spain is going to be an amazing experience. It will! Experience is the best of teachers and you will learn and grow so much in character and love. You will be able to see yourself, your culture and God from a whole new perspective. How exciting! Many things will be new and different. That'll be great in many ways, but difficult in others. God is still the same though, no matter where you are, what you are doing or who you are with. He loves you! He is with you! I believe he will give you the strength for each moment. One day at a time. Everything will be okay. You are a wonderful woman and an encouragement to me in your passion and desire for God. I love you!
ReplyDeleteRachelle
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Wow this is the third time I have tried to post this- ridiculous Sevillian internet!
ReplyDelete"I am realizing more and more how important it is going to be for me to be really intentional about this trip. I'll need to be intentional about enjoying myself, intentional about making friends, intentional about being open and willing to learn. If I am not, it will be way too easy to spend the semester being miserable."
you wrote that and guess who is going to keep you accountable to that: yup that is right, this girl right here!