Every misconception shrouded by my bitterness is beginning to transform. With every conversation I have on the street with someone, my heart softens a little more. With every new cultural nuance, every new friend and every new victory I cannot help but feel like my whole life is changing. And, it makes me smile. Not just externally, but internally. I smile to the deep places of my soul and I know… I love Spain.
I think every exchange student comes to this place. It does not happen right away. In fact, the opposite is true. At first I hated everything because, I felt rejected by a country. However, Spain and her people didn’t know me, how could they reject me?
I still have moments when I desperately miss home. I have times when all I want to do is pick up my dog, breathe her in and snuggle her against her will. There are mornings when I just want to give my mom a hug or watch Big Bang Theory with my Dad or share secrets with my sister. It is hard leaving a life and family you love. But, wow… it is breathtaking to get to know and love a whole new life and “family.”