Last Update

This is my last blog update of the trip, I leave for home in 3 short days. I can’t believe how quickly this trip flew by, I feel like I was just panicking in my bedroom at home trying to figure out how I was going to get all of my clothes to fit in two suitcases! This past week we had finals, so we only had class in the morning and I got to spend time with my family and friends during the rest of the day, I probably should have been studying though… On Tuesday I threw a surprise party for Kristin since her birthday is the day we come home, she was very surprised! We were in kind of a tiff though because she knew I was hiding something from her, but I wouldn’t give in and tell her. I was pretty relieved afterwards J

My last few days I am spending around San Ramon with my family and friends. Last night we went to another surprise party, this one Sydney’s family threw for her. It was a costume party so it was pretty hilarious seeing about 35 people dressed up like it was Halloween for a “we’re going to miss you” party. Last night there was also a festival in San Ramon that had something to do with Melachochas or something similar to that…Everybody goes downtown and they throw candies called melachocas from the rooftops and people go wild trying to collect it. Then everyone runs together around the entire town of San Ramon going to peoples houses (I think you go to peoples houses who have Maria’s living in them…) and the family throws candy down. Kristin and I went to my cousins house with my family to watch and it was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. We were on the balcony throwing candies and there were at least 100 people standing down below trying to collect it all. Needless to say, I sort of missed the point of this activity, but it was cool anyways! Last night really felt like Halloween after all the candy and dress up!

I have had a lot of opportunities for reflection this past week through Linfield assignments from Oregon, essays for my classes here about my experiences, and just on my own time. I feel like I have become so much more independent and confident in myself, sometimes I surprise myself at the things I’ve done here and how far I’ve come. I’ve also learned how to get along with 13 other girls for long periods of time and trust in everyone. We’ve all become so close and I hope we can continue to support each other after this semester. Most importantly I’ve learned to let go of the small things and focus on the positive. There have been so many experiences here that have tested my patience, but I’ve learned not to get upset because that doesn’t change the situation. I also couldn't have made it through this trip without one of my best friends in the whole world, Kristin! She has been such a huge supporter of me, and we've made it through soo much these past three months. We've also had so many adventures and fun times I will never forget. We can conquer anything together :) Love you, Kristin!

Everybody here has been so kind to me and I can’t be more thankful for that, I feel like I have a second home and family here J It’s going to be a sad departure, but I am so excited to see my friends and family from home!