One week it has been. I went out of my normal way of living; I took on a completely different lifestyle and hoped for the best. Exactly seven days ago I took my voyage to, what I consider to be, the most fascinating place and culture on this Earth. This has been an up-and-down seven days, but I'll let you know something: it's on the rise.
The first two, maybe three, or possibly four days were the hardest, no doubt. If you ever have or will travel to a foreign country (preferably non-English speaking), you will know what I mean by the term "culture shock". When you go from rolling hills, cornfields, a town of 6500 people where "everyone knows everyone" and people speak fluent English to a place that is seaside, has a volcano, a city twenty-times the amount of your hometown, and hardly anyone speaks a drop of English, you really get the feeling of being "out of your comfort zone" and very, very alone.
But this was what I signed up for. I didn't expect it to be easy. I expected it to be a challenge, and yes, it has been a real challenge.
But this is good. I am getting more used to the people, the culture, and yes, even the language.
Each day gets easier for me. Not that I don't miss my friends and family, it's just that I meet new people who help me along this journey, making it easier to keep going.
These past four days have been a lot of fun.
On Thursday I met my group of people that I will go to Paris with. A total of 17 people; 16 girls and 1 boy. By the way, I'm the one boy. I will get a host family and learn French for the next three weeks. I'm excited to compare the cultures and see which I prefer in certain aspects.
On Friday I played basketball with some friends. Please don't let me come off as being boastful, but I did well because basketball is not their first sport. Enough said on the subject; I'm sure you get the point.
On Saturday I read an English paper for my host mother's, friend's, daughter's English class for college. I like to read and review so it was nice to be able to do that in English once again. After this, we all went beach side and swam for about an hour. Later that night we ate pizza. Yum!
Today, on Sunday we went snorkeling in water that was of 25 feet depth; this was one of my favorite things I've done thus far. To see life underwater and knowing this is their home is a beautiful thing. I want to go again, and soon! After snorkeling we went to Noto, a stunning city South of Siracusa. I took pictures, (which I will upload on a later date) of this beautiful city.
It was a good first seven days. Both ups and downs, the way I see this entire year being. Through the hard times and good times I know that I can always turn to my friends, my family, and of course my God and my Savior Jesus Christ. So I thank you all for supporting me in the past, present, and future.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. I love to read and write and it's nice to know that someone out there cares enough to read it. Grazie mille!
Until next time, ciao.
AF
This will all get easier with time. Look how far you've come at this point; I'm so proud! Have a great trip! Looking forward to reading about Paris when you get back.
ReplyDeleteandrew- the courage you have already shown beams brightly to those of us who often don't have the courage to follow our dreams! you are an inspiration and a wonderful example! each day will bring challenges and joys, and our prayer for you is that the joys FAR out number the tough times! nic was very excited to 'visit' w/ you the other day....you have always been very special to him.
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