-Alexander Sattler
Cheesy quote, I know. But I thought it'd be an appropriate way to start this post off, considering I'm going to be talking about the fact that Ive officially reached 6 months here. 6. Whole. Months.
Now in reality I've actually been here more like 7 months, but I didn't think to write about it until now. And really I didn't even realize it had been 6 months. It happened so quietly for me. But to be able to say I've spent half a year of my life separated from everything I'd known is a weird feeling.
There are some specific things I'd like to reflect upon from this great experience. First off, I'd like to say that this year goes way too fast. When I arrived, I really liked it here... But the idea of an entire year this far away was daunting. I found myself counting days, seeing how long a week felt, two weeks, three weeks. Now, I only have a few months left and I'm left wondering how I let the time slip past me. I still have a large portion if my exchange, yet I feel silly for thinking it'd be a lifetime until I go home. I'm almost home and if leaves me with regret. I didn't take every opportunity I could to see my friends, experience this city, and better myself. exchange can come with its disappointments, I didn't expect that.
One thing that has surprised me is my lack of homesickness. Not that I don't love home; I cherish my life there just as much as here. But, there's something incredible about having this life to yourself, that no one who from your previous life can understand. Even when it's been hard, when I've missed my family, my bed, and my cats.... I always think of how much I'd miss here if I had to return. I think of how lucky I am to have not only one, but two lives, and two families. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am.
I wasn't really mentally prepared to not always be getting my way here. When you see and here about exchange, it looks like they are living their dream lives, constantly having fun and adventuring. It isn't until you are in the experience that you realize that it's not that different from home in terms of having to be flexible and open-minded. There have been plenty of nights here that I'm tired and don't feel like spending time with my brazilian family, but out of respect I do it anyways. There have been days where I get pissed because I have to go to another day of highschool, even though I already finished last year. But what's surprising me is the more I let down my stubborn front and do what's appropriate of me, I learn more, and often end up enjoying whatever it is I'm supposed to. To quote my host mom Rogeli, "é difícil algumas vezes fazer coisas que você não gosta, mas isso é vida". Basically she said that it's hard sometimes to do things you don't like, but that's life.
Lastly I'd like to take a minute to say once again how fantastic this country is. I live in a lively city stuffed with personality. Outside of this city is some of the most beautiful beaches and nature in the world. But you really can't beat the people. Brazilians love to dance, feed you, and make you feel special. I only hope I've picked up the warm and loving qualities they have. You can be at a party or even in the street and make a new friend who will invite you to lunch and really go through with it. My brazilian friends and family are so accepting. I lucked out with all of them. And of course I can't write about brazil without mentioning my exchange student friends. We really are a family, even if we don't understand each other's pasts. We are united in our struggles and our differences. I love them all, and have never had such amazing friends.
Basically, this really has been not always been the best 6 (7) months of my life, but they are without a doubt the most special, and the most meaningful. I can't wait for 4 more.
Beijos
