Howdy,
I'm now one week in to this study abroad and I'm finding it hard to believe that it's only been that long. Just as I expected, this trip really only felt real after the first major jump of getting on the plane in Houston and stepping into my host family's house. Almost immediately, all my nerves vanished and made space for all the excitement I had for this journey. This week has been amazing for me, and I've already done so much in just over seven days.
After meeting my host family and getting a tour of their house and my space in it, I felt truly lucky to be placed with such a wonderful family. I've enjoyed eating food from their garden and having fun exchanges with their two daughters (some things don't need to be translated to have a fun time). I'm excited to spend more time with them now that we're back in Bonn and really grow that connection.
Thinking of something that has been challenging is a challenge within itself, but I would probably say keeping in touch with my friends and family at home. Through the business of this week I definitely got caught up in it all and hadn't messaged my parents or my sisters, but being a bit more settled in now I'm remembering to do that. They're just as excited for me and I want to share my experiences with them as much as I can!
I've really enjoyed all the sights I've been seeing. From walking around the churches in Trier to taking in the beautiful sunsets in Norderney, I've gotten to see so many interesting and visually stunning things around Germany so far. I love nature, so the whole Norderney trip was really a treat for me. I got to learn so much on our mud flat hike and enjoyed partaking in Tai Chi with Dr. Wasser on the beach. Connecting with nature and taking a swim in the North Sea was one of the coolest opportunities I think I've gotten to experience yet.
Navigating a whole other language can be tricky, but I think it can make you both more patient and more susceptible to putting yourself out there. Instead of worrying about how I sound or how well I'm speaking German, I take pride in the fact that I'm at least willing to try, since it is such a great way of connecting with the people around me. I've seen this growth of not caring what others think about me or perceive me to be here, since it seems it's that way for most. Being in those settings where I meet someone new or try to order something in German has helped me tear down walls I had built up and open myself to different experiences. I'm excited to see where else this change brings me.
Until next time,
Olivia Cotton
It is amazing how you put yourself out there and let go of the fear of being "judged". You definitely learn the language faster when you use it and make mistakes. Learning Tai Chi with you was so fun and even though my body was definitely adjusting to the amount of activity (No Pain No Gain), I feel much more centered and stronger than before the trip. I'm glad that your trip to Trier went well!
ReplyDeleteI think putting yourself out there is apart of experiencing new things! It is also how we get a better understanding of ourselves and make the most out of a situation! Tai Chi was so much fun it was so exciting and something new that we can now say we have done! Exhibiting growth so often is so great because it lets us know our own self!
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