It's About Time!

Well, I've almost been here three weeks, and I feel confident in saying that I love it here and I couldn't have made a better decision in deciding to studying abroad or in coming to Santander! (I know, 180 degrees right?)

I definitely had a rough start, but I think I should have realized it wasn't going to be all fun and games for the first little while... I did travel halfway around the world, not knowing anyone, to a completely different culture--no dryers, no Mexican food and no Sonic. ;)

But I am so incredibly happy now! I think the key (for all those reading this thinking about studying abroad) to adjusting/dealing with culture shock was when I stopped comparing everything to home. It's not comparable. No there aren't dryers, or Mexican food, or Sonic, but obviously these people are doing just fine without the things that make America home for us. Not to mention, at home there aren't street festivals, or tons of foreigners with cultures to learn about, or parties (calm down momma, I promise I'm 'being smart':) that start at one in the morning and are still going strong when the sun comes up.

I think that my classes starting was another thing that helped. One of my classes is by far the hardest class I've ever taken... The first class period alone reviewed my entire knowledge of the Spanish language and four years of Spanish. However, thanks to Baylor Spanish kicking my rear in gear I think I'll be okay--I'm really hoping to try to GPA boost this semester since last semester wasn't the prettiest grades wise... As in it looked more like a bad teenage love poem than an Emily Dickinson original.

I've also let go of trying to hold on to home. It's not here. I can't spend three hours skyping my family and friends every day... So I'm trusting that the people who love and care about me will be there when I get back! And if not, well I spose I didn't really need those friendships anyways! Kidding! Although I'm really not.

For Lent there wasn't really anything I could give up food wise... But I decided to try to spend an extra five minutes in prayer everyday. It's only been a few days and I already feel more peace than I've felt in a long time. Trusting God with the little things as well as the big things has given me so much free time I'm not sure what to do with myself!

I have also kept up the running. Trying to lose some weight before "Nude Beach Season." JUST KIDDING. I will never been seen in a nude beach. Or at least nude at a nude beach... Do you think it's frowned upon to take pictures? Just to prove such things really exist? Probably... ;)


I still miss and love everyone! I can't say thank you enough for all the prayers that have been coming my way. Until next time! :-)