the past 261 days

It blows my mind that I have been in Valencia for 261 days (almost 9 months). The time has flown by and I am absolutely not ready to be finished here. But I am so excited to see my family and friends, my people!! 

The past 9 months have been filled with adventures, lessons, love, chaos, and lots of growth. I have gotten to see the improvement of the English language with my kids and have seen improvement in myself with understanding the Spanish language (not so much the speaking Spanish on my part). I have been able to see a whole other culture and see a part of the world I hadn't before. I was able to visit new cities and meet incredible people. I have marked down my favorites to visit for a longer period of time in the future. I have had lots of ups and a few downs, but all great adventures come with both. 

When I first applied to this program, I really had no idea what I was getting into. I applied on a whim and convinced myself it was right as the date to leave approached. I was sure it was a scam (PSA: it wasn't) And I can honestly say it was one of my best decisions I have ever made. I have lived with 3 incredible families, all so different, but so good in their own ways. I have gotten the chance to love on little ones and have played my heart out with the older ones.  I have learned how to roll with the punches in a classroom and how to listen to eight 10 year olds talk all at once.  I cannot be more grateful for the families that took me in as one of their own and for the memories I have made in Spain and the other countries. I have learned over 270 names of students and been able to be apart of birthdays, first communions, random holidays and Saint celebrations, Sunday lunches, and lots of trips around Spain to hometown villages. I have explored Valencia and all its nooks and grew to love it as quickly as I expected. I have made a little home here and cannot wait to return one day. Hopefully sooner rather than later!!

I am excited for the next part of my life - Michigan first to reunite with my people in my favorite place - making my way to Texas to see the rest of my people. Then the rest is unpredictable, but I know will be filled with lots of laughs and most likely a few bumps but all will work out according to someone's plan.

the past month or so in my favorite pictures:

I ran another race - a 15k at night!!! From 10:30pm to midnight, we ran through the streets of Valencia and finished with a little rain shower right as we crossed the finish line and then given a delicious Radler beer.

It will be so weird saying goodbye "see ya laters" to these people. Immediate friendships and a bond created by being in unfamiliar place that I am so grateful for. 

  

I went with my current family to Port Aventura - an amusement park - for an end of the year celebration!!!! No ones ever believes me when I say I don't like rollercoasters or really just the dropping sensation - so I went on a few to show my fear. It was a lot of fun and filled with delicious snacks and lots of screams. 

I'm going to be a bridesmaid!!!!!!! A bestfriend of mine, Heather, is marrying her man and I cannot wait for this wedding!!

 

Took a day trip to a vineyard in a neighboring pueblo to sample the local Spanish wines. It was so good and delicious that we brought some bottles home with us!!

 

Daily games of Rummy whenever we can - the beach and the park and the river are our favorites places especially with the beautiful weather. We can play even when it is EXTREMELY windy. 

And I get to squeeze my three favorites in 7 days!!!!!!!