More time.

So I wrote that last entry thinking I wouldn't have time before I leave to write more...but it just so happens that I have some more time--so here goes.

I can't believe I'm leaving the place that I've called home for the past 8 months. I've grown more in these past 8 months than any other time in my life, and I am changed from the experience that I had here. I did this thing on my own. I completely left my comfort zone, and I knew that I couldn't look back. It wasn't like going to college, when I was just a car ride away from home--it was a full and complete culture immersion--and I loved it. Yes, there were the good days and the bad days, but I really don't remember much about the bad days.

The people I've met are incredible...every single one of them has a place in my heart. It's so weird that Marli and I are going apart. We've spent this entire time together...when we're home, not going more than 4 hours with out talking to each other (except when we sleep)--and whenever one of us would travel, we always knew the other would be waiting we when got back. Who am I going to tell when my mom sends me a funny email or when something great happens?? She's become one of my best friends--there were ups and downs...but we talked last night and decided we wouldn't have wanted it any either way. We were a good fit for roommates, and it really helped having each other around. We sort of balanced each other out. The group from last semester was like family to me. That's what we were...we came as strangers, became friends, and left as family. I know that if I were to encounter one of them, we would pick up right where we left off. Then this semester the group wasn't close as a whole, but I found a great niche of friends. Jenna, Megan, Allison, Stef, Heather and I made so many memories together. I know that those are girls that I will continue talking to throughout the whole summer and probably the rest of my life. And then there's Amparo...my Spanish mother. I think back about when she first arrived that second night we were in Valencia (since she had been in India)--and she walked in, beso-ed us and said "I am your Spanish mother!!" It was truly a blessing for Marli and I to be placed in her house. She really cares about us. She got really sentimental last night at dinner, and I know that saying goodbye tonight will be hard on all of us.

As for Valencia, I love it here. I'm so happy I picked this place to study abroad. I feel so relaxed here, and I love the vibe the city has. After exploring the city when I first arrived, I got the "vibe" that it was just right--much like the vibe I got when I visited Luther trying to pick out a college. The city is big, and yet it feels small. I loved winding my way through the center--going through each plaza, spending a few quiet moments reflecting in the cathedral, having horchata with fartons during the afternoon, looking at all the produce and meats at Mercado Central. The city is alive during the day and at night. I feel safe here, no matter what hour of the day. On Wednesday, Marli and I went to see the sunrise, and it was just another aspect that made Valencia ever more beautiful to me. I'm leaving a little piece of myself here, and I know that I will come back here throughout the rest of my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

That's all I feel like writing for now...this will probably be continued later...