Time for some honesty. I have been struggling with what to write. The reason I started this blog was not to brag about my experiences; instead, it is for me to document everything that is happening to remember my adventures in the future. I have been very grateful to avoid a lot of misfortune, besides being pickpocket on the first day here (I cried, and then my mom reminded me it's just money and as long as I am safe, that is all that matters).
Today, I was sitting in the library working on my homework, when the sun came out (this is a rare commodity in the darkest city in Sweden). I took the time away from my studies to just sit and watch the sunset. It was then, I realized that I need to share the truth, not just my sunsets and sunrises. I have had a mild case of homesickness. There were two days this past week where all I was doing was questioning whether this was the right path for me, whether I was doing the right thing, and if this will actually help my future. One night, I turned my shower off and tears started to fall down my face. I was overwhelmed with my new surroundings and schedule that I broke. In that moment I had no clue what was happening, it is not normal for me to start crying randomly. I had my phone on YouTube (because Pandora only works in America) and it was just playing random songs, mostly Ed Sheeran, but on came the song "Rooftops" by Jesus Culture. I was reminded there, standing in my shower, that I was placed here, in Växjö, Sweden for a reason that remains unknown to all besides the Lord. In that moment, I knew that I was doing the right thing. It is time to be in the present. For the past 3 weeks, I have been without a phone plan, and it has been the best thing to happen to me. When I am out in the city I'm not distracted by my phone. I have had the ability to look up, see my surroundings, and take in every moment. This has led me to the decision to delete social media from my phone. I am going to keep my Snapchat only to keep my streaks, but Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are all being deleted. I will still have access to Facebook on my laptop to post periodically. I have thought about this extensively and believe it is the only option to fully enjoy my adventures. There are many more adventures and learning experiences to come, but instead of anticipating, I am deciding to live in the moment. Not many have the opportunity to move to another country for six months, and I need to make the most of it. Sunrise to sunset, and everything in between ~Adventure Set Brunette
1 Comment
Andrea Yovanovich
1/30/2018 03:39:42 pm
Of COURSE you're supposed to be there. It's natural to feel a little homesick sometimes, but that blip of a feeling doesn't define your experience. I LOVE that you're deleting SM off your phone.... I've been doing the same. The more SOCIAL our media is, the LESS social we are with who's right in front of us! Indiana will ALWAYS be here- get yourself out of your room and go explore, meet new people, experience new things and come back a more worldy person. No matter how alone you may feel, you have so many people that love you and have confidence in YOU. Big deep breaths, put your big girl pants on and go kick some serious booty. Take the world by the horns, lady!
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AuthorMy name is Emma and I am a student at the University of Southern Indiana. I am starting this blog as documentation through my study abroad journey and future travels. Archives
April 2018
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