Christmasssss!!!!

First of all, I'd like to make a confession. Despite the fact that I am in Spain and not France, I honestly believe that I've found the most amazing crepe place in the world. I cannot walk past the window without buying myself a huge crepe with Nutella... So tonight as I sat at the bus station with 15 minutes to spare, I may have run across the street and indulged in a crepe-nutella fantasy. And my workout for today is basically 6 feet under.

Now that I got that off my chest, let's talk about Christmas!

Holiday break lasts for a whopping 17 days! So I have a lot of time to either lay in bed like a loofa or do something productive.

On Christmas Eve we had lunch with family friends and relaxed for much of the afternoon before going home and getting ready for dinner. At 7pm we headed to the Grandparents house (a.k.a Los Yayos) to feast and and celebrate. Besides my host family and the grandparents, Javier's brother and his family joined us. We were eleven people in total.

The meal consisted of the following: Ham, shrimp, King crabs, German salad, Steak or sometype of seafood (whichever you preferred), ice cream, chocolate, and other delicious things for desert. Oh and of course, wine and champagne! 

At one point we were making a toast or singing something (I honestly can't remember) and everyone was standing up but Yayo (the grandpa) wouldn't move from his seat. Suddenly he started yelling and grabbing his chest. For a split second we all thought for sure that this man was having a heart attack... Until we realized the real humor in what was happening... Yayo was wearing a little Christmas tie with a button on it that made the tie light up and play a little Christmas tune. While grabbing his chest like a dying man, he was really just frantically looking for the button to make his tie light up and sing. Moments before we'd been fearing for his life and now we were all dying of laughter.

After we stuffed our faces it was time for the entertainment. Everyone had to prepare something. Elena played guitar, sang, and then danced with her cousin. Lucia (the cousin) played the recorder with her nose which made everyone cry in hysterics. I had no idea what to do for my turn, so I made my eyebrows dance along to the song Jingle-Bells. Javier and his brother played the guitar and sang, also. And after that, we all just danced around and had a merry time. Honestly, it was the most joyful Christmas Eve I've ever had. I was bubbling with laughter all night. There just wasn't time to be homesick, because I was already in the presence of so many loving people.

Just after 2am we went home and everyone was off to bed so Papa Noel could stop by with the presents. I stayed up till 3 and Skyped with family in New Jersey as they gathered in the living room and opened Pollyanna gifts.

When I finally went to bed I couldn't have been more pleased with the way that the day had gone.

 I forgot to mention that my packages from home hadn't arrived in time, so I would not be opening my Christmas gifts from family on time... but after crying about it for 10 minutes I didn't care anymore. Like I said, there just wasn't time to be sad that night. There was too much delicious food, rich wine, and joyful people.

My Facebook status basically summed it all up: "Best Christmas Eve of my entire life. I got to spend time with my family in New Jersey over Skype and celebrated all night long with my new family here in Spain. This season is all about the expression of your heart- and I finally know what the the Magic of Christmas really means. I've never felt so loved by others, or so eager to show my affection to others, as I do on this night... All because of the birth of Jesus, this world has been blessed with a beautiful time to celebrate our divine relationship with Him and others. ♥"

Papa Noel?

So the Christmas season is here. You're doing your last minute shopping and thinking "what the heck am I supposed to get for that Pollyanna gift?". Best of luck..
 I really don't feel any holiday spirit while taking a bike ride and sweating in this 70 degree weather. I'll surely be dreaming of a white Christmas this year.
As school finishes up this week, and my friends receive their grades for the first trimester, a holiday break of sixteen full days is almost upon us. TONS of dinners, lunches, and other gatherings with family and friends have all been arranged to keep us fat and happy during this time.

I will be blogging again soon to go into more detail about the traditions and things going within these two weeks of holidays. Right now I need to clean my room, write some letters, and hide this stack of Christmas presents!!!!!

I swear. I will be the worst Santa Claus when I become a mother- it's so hard to have all the presents hidden under my bed and not open them! haha

P.S. Friends at home- I hope you're all surviving the crazy workload that teacher heap on us the week before Christmas. And I pray that they didn't assign to much to do over break too!!!!

Quick Update

The "totally cool blog" that I promised was coming... isn't coming. I'm sorry guys. For some reason the video wouldn't upload onto my page. Anyway, here's a quick update.

Exchange is infamous for being a time of some serious weight gain, and I've been no exception. The good news is though I'm drinking a lot of green tea with honey and cinnamon now and trying to avoid the endless snacking on chocolate in the afternoons. Instead of taking a siesta for hours on end, I go for a walk or run. I'm feeling stronger and healthier, so we'll see what the scale has to say in a few weeks.

The temperature has suddenly climbed back into the high 60's and low 70's, also. My allergies were quick to react and I've been sniffling all day and night.

As you know (if you've read previous blogs) I had some camera trouble back in October. While my Canon is being repaired, my Aunt Charlotte sent me an awesome little digital camera in the mean time. This this new one is shock proof, water proof, dust proof, and freeze proof. What other "proof" is there? This thing is awesome!!! I was so excited to try it out. The camera also has a Panoramic feature that I used to take the following pictures..

The front yard/driveway.

180 degree shot of the Sea.

120 degree Panoramic view of the coast.

Today we're setting up the Christmas tree and Nativity to decorate for Navidad y los Tres Reyes Magos. Should I listen to Christmas music to get in the mood or will it just make me incredibly homesick? Maybe I should just avoid "Home for the Holidays", "White Christmas", and of course "Cristmas Shoes"- cause that one just makes everybody depressed!

Making a Home

The beginning of exchange, no matter the country one is in, is extremely difficult. You're the new kid at school, in a different country, learning a foreign language, living in an unfamiliar house (with strangers), and trying to adjust to the cultural. And if you need your grades to transfer at the end of the year, than you can add the stress of schoolwork to that already heaping list.

I clearly remember, as if it were just yesterday, the mornings when I would wake up, look in the mirror, and think to myself, "I can't do this anymore. I don't have the energy to hold it all together today. Who I am and what I am is not enough. I don't want to face hours of difficulties, conversations that I can't comprehend, and the looks I get from people because they think I'm an idiot... I want home. I want a break. My mind, body, and spirit just need to rest. I can't take another day, God."

When my head would hit the pillow on those nights, I stared at the ceiling in amazement- not because I did it, but because He carried me through. Still, my long hours of sleep never sufficed, and I resented the dawn of each new day.

Obviously, I made it though... This week I'll be celebrating my three month anniversary here in Spain. Over time, and as I settled into a routine, the strange things became familiar- they became my life.
However, last Sunday in particular was a memorable day. For the first time, I woke up in the morning feeling like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I didn't open my eyes to an unfamiliar world where I didn't belong. Rather, I awoke to a new day with my family in my home.

I'm struggling to explain exactly how that morning was different from all the others, because at face value it was no different from any of the other preceding days. It wasn't about the day though- I guess it was really about me- about how I felt... Like an old contact lens had been removed from my eyes over night and replaced with something different. And whatever that "something" was, it made my whole being relax.

The day wasn't much. I made my own breakfast, went hiking with a friend, and then lounged around the house for the rest of the evening. But in the midst of all of it, I felt as though a weight had been lifted off of me, and I could move about my day with a new peace and comfort that hadn't been there before.

Beyond feeling so comfortable in my home now, I've also grown immensely closer to my host family.
My father, Javier, is a man that I would have loved to have as a dad growing up. Not only does he work hard to provide for his family, but he has a wonderful sense of humor, an infectious laughter, and makes the most delicious salad with a spruce of parsley (my favorite). Cristina is always running around, making phone calls, and cooking (even though she hates it), and in some ways I see myself being like her in the future. I really want to talk about Elena though- my little Elenita. I adore being a big sister in so many ways. My love for this family is growing deeper by the day- especially with each bear hug that Elena gives me, as she squeezes me with all her might.

Christmas is approaching, and I'm both excited and dreading the days of twinkling lights, santa claus, and gift wrapped boxes. The Holidays will undoubtably strengthen the bonds between my host family and me. But the question begs- will there be more joy than sadness? In January our first rotation will take place, where us exchange students here in Denia will all move houses.

I don't want to have to adjust to a new house and a new family, but more than that, I don't want to say goodbye to the ones I have now...

Exchange can be so bitter-sweet. And sometimes the only sweetness to be found is the stash of chocolate I keep.

17 years of Wanderlust

Another year older- another year wiser. With all this life experience I'm getting, it's no wonder my wisdom teeth are coming in so fast...

First, in honor of my birthday, I'd like to take you back in time for a bit and tell a short story:

It was 1995 and my mom was at her baby shower- pregnant with me. During a conversation with her cousin (who believed in Astrology and horoscopes) it became known that my mother was due at the end of November- around the same time that my older sister had also been born.

"Two November babies, eh? They're gonna be travelers when they grow up," her cousin said.
My mom wasn't much of a believer in reading the stars/ universe or whatever astrology does, so the conversation was quickly put out of mind and forgotten for many years.

I was born on November 28th just 6 days after Danica's Birthday. I grew up. I became aware of the world around me. The wanderlust within my being was like a forest that once caught fire could not be stopped- whether it's in the stars or because God has a plan for my life and in my obedience it will be brought to fruition. But here I am "on the other side of the pond" seventeen years later and the once forgotten words of my mother's cousin are being echoed by my actions.

Not only do I love traveling the world but I'm intrigued by the universes we create that cannot be seen. I'm talking about the relationships that we have with family, friends, Our Creator, and ourselves. To me, having a conversation with someone who lets me to go behind their walls of defense and see behind their masks, is one of the most fascinating things. Not only that, but you feel a sense of honor knowing that you may be one of the few who ever sees this soul almost completely transparent. Do I think we can ever be transparent 100% with anyone? NO. God's the only one who really knows us like that: he sees both the inside and out. But when it comes to sharing your life with other human beings you always have a choice as to who you share with and how much. Some may misinterpret my interest for being nosey and other times I don't always react appropriately when people are honest- but I'm working on it. I'm only human.

I'm not sure of much. I truly believe that I will return from my exchange year with more questions than answers. And at this point, my purpose is no more evident than it was before. Trying to predict my life in the future is like when you're driving on the highway during a downpour and you can barely even see the lines painted on the road or your front bumper: There is too much happening in the moment that you're in and anything beyond that can change in a matter of seconds.

Emma (my exchange friend here in Denia) and I often have talks about our futures. Next year she'll be going to college and I'll be out of high school soon too. Which school? What major? A career or a family? Is either one really ultimately in our control? And the answers are the same. We just don't know. I always conclude that one life isn't long enough to live out all the things I'd like to do. So which things will I choose? Will I go for the international career that will take me to new corners of the world and to learn more languages? Or will God bless me with the opportunity to be a stay at home mother- to do my best to raise children in this crazy life? But maybe I'll a spanish teacher. I could work with high schoolers, try to inspire them in their lives, and expand my knowledge of this language in which I hope to someday be fluent in. Those are my plans though- His plans are the one's that ultimately matter.

Like I said though, I'm driving on the highway in a downpour, so for now I'm just going to focus on the moment and do my best to keep a grip on the wheel...

 I'm 17 years old. I've come a lone way from the lost kid that I once was. Everyday the Lord is changing my heart and filling me with so much love that I'm dying to share with this world. I'm a single human being among 7 billion (and counting) on this earth. But at the same time, I am vastly different from anyone who has ever, or will ever, exist.

So last night we toasted over a drink at dinner- and I'll say it again now (even if toasting to yourself is odd...) I'm gonna celebrate me. Here's to the past 17 years of my life and to all that the future holds. I only hope to walk in the way The Lord has intended for me to- and to give back to this world even a fraction of what I've gained from being a part of it.

Thanksgiving Day

Between today and tomorrow, I will be posting three new blogs. So please be sure to read each of them as I fill you in on everything that happened for Thanksgiving, my birthday, and some new wisdom that I've acquired on this journey. As always, thanks in advance for reading- enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2012 will never be forgotten. That's a promise...
On thursday morning I slept in until 8:30 and met my friend Lucia on the path along the beach where we waited for the rest of our class. Half an hour later my gym teacher, religion teacher, and fifteen other classmates came into sight. Joining the large group, we headed for La Cueva de Tallada.
A ten minute walk to the east brings you to the end of Las Rotas (the residence along the rocky beaches) and then the Montgó Nature Reserve begins.

As we climbed higher the majestic view was only enhanced.

Previous days of rain left the path muddy and smooth rocks were one's worst enemy: it's not the safest hike and one slip could be fatal. Thankfully, it didn't take long to reach our destination.

From the top of a cliff we began our decent down to the cave.

The boys went first so they could help the rest of us girl... as if weren't just as capable of rock climbing. Psh. Please.

Once we reached the bottom of the cliff we turned to the right and BOOM. Out of nowhere this huge cave is ready to swallow you up.

Inside there were shallow pools, tons of rock, and extension areas to explore.

Before going deeper into the cave our gym teacher went ahead and lit candles throughout the tunnel.

I couldn't stop feeling like I was in a National Treasure or Indian Jones movie.

I thought of everybody at home cooking the turkey and setting Thanksgiving tables with the special china and pretty napkins. And then here I was... I never would have imagined that I'd be deep within a cave along the Mediterranean Sea (finally understanding claustrophobia) and at the mercy of the tons of rock above my head.

"This is the coolest thing I've ever done in my life," I kept telling myself. Not even standing before the Eiffel Tower gave me such a sense of excitement or aw for my surrounds.. I hope that doesn't make me sounds spoiled or ungrateful. It's true though, and I think it says something about my liking for adventures in nature over viewing manmade architecture.

Back in the opening of the cave (and sunlight) we ate lunch while a few crazy boys went swimming in the ice cold water. Our time was cut short when it started to rain outside, though. It was necessary that we got back up onto the trail before the rocks on the cliff were too slick and dangerous to climb. With no injuries and lots of fun the excursion was a success. We headed back towards the city and I said goodbye to everyone as I turned down another street to go home. 

At 1:00 I got home, showered, threw on pajamas, and went to bed. Until then my homesickness was at a 2 (on a level of 1-10) and I was more than happy with the way this Thanksgiving was turning out. I took some time to reflect, pray, and count my blessings. "I'm not going to cry today. NO homesickness." I told myself.

Just as I was settling in to take a nap, the housekeeper arrived and started making noise in the kitchen which kept me awake. Around 3:00 my host dad came home and announced that I'd received several letters in the mail. Two of the envelopes were birthday cards that I knew were not to be opened until the 28th. Another was from Jack Kammer, a Rotarian from back home. And the last one was from one of my best friends, Julia Viola. 

Both letters were very long, and I read them each twice to let the words sink in. Lord only knows how much I love both writing and receiving letters- so thank you to those who have written me! I treasure each one...

Soon I found myself on Facebook and scrolling through the endless statuses and pictures from Thanksgiving. YoungLife friends were all playing football together. Family was gathering. Thoughts of pumpkin pie with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream tantalized my taste buds. It was my sister's birthday. And Señorita M. was getting married the next day. So many things were calling me back home... I couldn't suppress the feelings that were building up. I sat down to wish Danica a happy birthday on Facebook and within minutes I lost all composure. So much for not getting homesick!!!! But what was I supposed to do? Crying it out is always better than bottling it up- so I just went with it..

Danica and I Skyped, and I bawled my eyes out for a good two minutes before I could choke out a word. I wished her a happy birthday and then said Hi to everyone at the house for the holiday.

For the rest of the afternoon I staying curled up in bed crying and eating chocolate. Yes, it was pathetic, But when I'm miserable I just want to be left alone so I can continue being miserable. 

Finally at 7pm I emerged from my cave like a grumpy animal and made myself look presentable. At 8:45 my host mom picked me up from home and we headed to the Thanksgiving dinner that Rotary was having for us.

So to summarize the night: The turkey was awful. In broken spanish I explained to Rotary what Thanksgiving was like for my family. Us "Exchangies" sat together, spoke in english, and had a good time despite the various stages of homesickness that we were experiencing. The host parents sat together and either bragged about or bashed the exchange student that they were hosting- but that was their business. For desert we had chocolate cake because ONE MAN in Rotary didn't like pumpkin pie.  It's a good thing I don't know spanish or which man it was- because nobody robs me of my pumpkin pie!

On the way home the sky was clear and stars twinkled above the universe. I said another short prayer to myself and basked in the beautiful moment. At 1am we got home and I went straight to bed. It had been a long and very emotional day- but certainly a memorable Thanksgiving.

Hallelujah It's Rainin' Man!

Ok. You can stop singing now :)

Last week started out rainy and remained cloudy almost everyday. My host dad always tells me though that when it rains in Denia, it's only for one or two days before the sun comes out and the ideal weather returns. This week though, has been anything but ideal.

On Sunday afternoon it started raining and by nightfall the sound of each huge droplet echoed against the walls of my bedroom. All throughout the night Mother Nature was relentless, and school was cancelled on monday morning due to flooding.

I couldn't believe the news at first when my host dad ran out to the car and said, "Camila, no tienes clase hoy!" I was already bundled up in many layers, with my boots, and umbrella, but I wasn't going to question the day off that I had just been offered.. My pajamas welcomed me back with open arms. There was time to kill so Elena put on The Notebook which I slept through until we ate sandwiches at 11am. After that we painted each other's faces and I did her nails. Im embracing the "big sister" role that I've never had before.

At 4:30 Emma and I met up in town and spent the evening together. The rain had ceased but violent winds whipped our hair around like it they were creatures of their own. I had the idea to go watch the windsurfers near the port, and then Emma suggested we walk further out towards the lighthouse. We didn't quite make it to the lighthouse because we would've died in the enormous waves crashing over the rocks... but it was an adventure.

Back in town Emma and I both did a little shopping for christmas & birthday presents for friends and loved ones back home. It was a fun afternoon- and I was thankful that the rain let up for a little while...

This morning I went to school :( but the rain picked up again and remained constant all morning. By noon the streets outside were flooded and by the time my host dad picked me up at 2:00 the road was under nearly two feet of water. It's now 4pm and conditions haven't changed. The house is being pounded with sheets of rain.

I'm going to make some hot chocolate.

Where ever you are right now, I hope that you're staying dry. 

"Evolution," they lied.

After school today I sat in bed, ate chocolate covered peanuts, and watched Pride and Prejudice, again. You can imagine what the scale is reading theses days as a result of many lazy afternoons and delicious Spanish meals. “Time for a run!” I said, pulling myself away from the computer screen.

I made it about a mile before I decided to sit down on a large rock that extends out into the sea. Only a slight glow of the setting sun was left on the horizon. Lamps lining the path along the sea reflected off the water- their light danced over each wave that came crashing against my rock sending a salty spray into the air.

6:30 my iPod read, but no one could be seen out walking.

There was no reason to rush home so I sat where I was until my sweat dried, a chill came over me, and I realized that I needed to be home before it was completely dark and no streetlights would light my way home.

For over half an hour, it was just God and me. I took in the sight of the beautiful coast, the warm November breeze, and drank in His peace. “Never forget this.” I promised myself…

At 7:30 it was time for a Skype date with Robin.

For those of you who don't know who Robin Shelburne is, she is my amazing YoungLife leader. Her place in my life can't be defined by a single title... or even few. She means a great deal to me though, and I rely on her guidance and wisdom on a daily basis for things that I can't yet comprehend- most of them relating to my walk with Christ.

Tonight we cried together during another heart to heart, but I was left feeling loved and encouraged.

Here I am, so far away from my life in Pitman. It’s just God and me. Eight months still await me here.  This is about opening my heart and relying on Him 100% in all that I do and becoming the young woman that God wants me to be.

Many Mountains

I sincerely apologize for neglecting my blog and leaving you all in the dark about my latest news in Spain. I don't really have an excuse other than that I've been reading, writing letters, and pinning on Pinterest- all of which I consider to be wonderful ways to pass the time. In any case, we have some catching up to do...

A few weeks ago another exchange student from the U.S. arrived in Dénia. Her name is Emma, and we immediately got along from the first moment that we met on a lunch date. Since then we've spent time together at the beach, walking through the city, hiking through mountains, and freaking out because the strong taste of olive oil almost ruined our brownie recipe. We've laughed to the point of tears over our awful spanish, and we've spoken honestly about our homesickness and personal lives to each other. They say, "Those who exchange together, stick together." and the familiar words certainly ring true in the friendship that Emma and I have so rapidly constructed.

Last Wednesday, all five of us RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange) students, in Dénia, went with two Rotarians to the city of Alicante to apply for extensions on our visa. After hours of filling out paper work and standing in line, we finally made our way into the office where officials were seated behind computers and examined our paperwork. Emma's papers were the only ones to be accepted, while the rest of us nervously listened to our Rotarians argue with the officials. None of us could keep up with the speed or volume at which these people spoke until we left the office and circumstances were explained. Our paperwork was not accepted. The woman in charge that day said, "These three- they go back to the United States!"...

We were left clueless for the next few days. On thursday, my host family brought me with them to Valencia to watch tennis at the Valencia Open 500. I was overjoyed to be out of school, but more importantly to be sitting to close to the court as David Ferrer (Ranked #5 in the world) crushed his opponent. My host parents paid for my entrance ticket, and I am further assured that there is nothing I can do to repay this family for the amount of kindness and generosity that they have shown me.

Friday meant back to school, but the short day quickly turned into the weekend. On Saturday morning I rode my bike to my little host sister's basketball game. Although this was easily a 3mile ride each way, and a very windy day, I knew I had to go. The previous night I had told Elena I would be there and I want to be the best big sister that I can be while I have this opportunity here... Now that I'm older, I also realize the kind of impact it had on me as a child when people did/didn't show up to things to support me. Something in my gut tells me that I will be at everyone of those basketball games for her this year- just waiting to see her eyes search for me in the balcony and breaking into a smile when she finds me watching...

On Saturday night Emma and I went to a youth group here in Dénia. It was not at all what we had expected though.

 All of the kids were fifteen or younger and the activity for that night was a scavenger hunt through the city. After a while of running around Emma and I left the group to find something to eat and then met back up with everyone at the church at 7:30. The catholic mass was exactly how I remembered it- every blessing, prayer, and response that was given after the priest spoke. After nearly two months of being away from church and YoungLife back at home, I was anxious to find a church here. Instead of finding myself at peace or in any form of comfort, a battle raged within me throughout the entire mass.

I was raised in a Russian Orthodox church and then attended another Catholic church for many years after I moved to Pitman. During all that time though, I was so spiritually dead, and every Sunday morning was a fight for my mother to drag me to church. Even years later, after developing such a strong relationship with Christ and growing depths in my faith, I struggled to sit through that mass on Saturday and find God in the midst. "We all worship Him." I told myself. "No matter where I am in the world, He is still the same One."

With wide eyes I took in the ornate pantings, icons, and statues that are displayed throughout the small church. Lowering my eyes onto the congregation I saw infants, elderly, and everyone in between. "How many of them don't know you, Lord?" I asked with a heavy heart. "How many of them have yet to experience a relationship with their own creator?" I wondered to myself- remembering what it was like to feel so alone- and wanting so desperately for these people to know that they weren't. Later I was told "People don't read the Bible at home. We don't even read the bible at church!" Every cell of my body wanted to explode and cry "The Bible is our manual to LIFE!! It's the stories and teachings of The One who made you!!" My anger was not at all directed towards these people- but rather at this world. Only sadness could be felt for this person who spoke about the Bible as if it were an absurdity to own such a book in their home. It had been a long day though, and my emotions were running ramped.

That night, I slept over Emma's house, and in the morning her host parents took us to a trail where we hiked ten miles, in five hours, through the mountains. Emma's host mother had warned us that the temperature would be ten degrees colder on Sunday,but neither of us thought it important. That being said, we were seriously underdressed for the 40 some degree wind that chilled our bones on the top of the mountain. It hadn't occurred to Emma or I that a 10 degree CELSIUS change meant a nearly 20 degree Fahrenheit change. Our stupidity was severely punished that morning until we started moving and the sun found it's way to our chilled bodies. The hike was long and challenging at times. (side note: my camera broke again- 2nd time in one year. And it will take weeks for me to send it back to Canon for repair...) (Also, while trying to take a picture with a goat on the mountain, my hand fell onto a bush of thorns.. I still have 14 splinters in my hand that were too small to remove)

Emma snapped this shot just as the goat turned around and I retracted my left hand from the thorns. My smile was a pathetic attempt to hide the pain and I'm even more angry that the goat had to be so difficult! haha

After our long hike, we joined thirty other people at a restaurant, among beautiful vineyards, and ate ourselves full. Emma and I not only talked to each other, but kept up a good conversation with many of the people sitting around us. With the two of our minds put together, it was quite fun helping each other speak in spanish. On the ride home, we couldn't stop laughing and attempted some pathetic jokes in spanish. Discussion of different wedding traditions in Spain in the U.S. lead to our own dreams...everyone found it especially humorous that I write letters to my future husband, but what can I say? I'm a romantic.

Monday morning was another trip to Alicante where our applications for a visa extension were finally accepted. Apparently the woman that wanted to send us home on wednesday was new to the job- and clearly out of her mind if you ask me.

This blog is EXTREMELY long.. so I will post again later tonight with everything else that I wish to share. Thanks for reading!

Expectations

Everyday I seem to become more frustrated and disappointed in myself. Seeing as it's already mid-october, my spanish speaking skills seriously have not met the expectations that I had for this time in my exchange. Some of you might say that I'm being too hard on myself, but I can't help but regret all the time that I wasted not learning spanish - especially in the summer months prior to my departure.

This weekend my host family went to a wedding from friday-sunday and I stayed here in Dénia with my Rotary counselor, Paqui. She is an extremely sweet old woman and lives with her little dog in a high-rise apartment near my school.

On friday night I took a shower after dinner and was headed off to bed when Paqui suddenly seemed concerned for me. She asked if I wanted a hairdryer and when I declined her offer she further insisted that I dry my hair before going to bed because "it's bad for my health". I assured her that I've slept with wet hair, almost every night, all my life, and I wouldn't get sick. Later I also used the same reasoning to explain why I don't wear slippers around the house- and I am still in perfectly good health.

Saturday morning was quite overcast, but nonetheless, we drove to a neighboring town with a large outdoor market and walked around for a few hours. At 14:00 we returned to Denia and I met with two other exchange students to have lunch. (they use military time here) Both Eli and Jarrod are my age and have come to Spain from the U.S. so it was nice to eat lunch and let the conversation flow effortlessly in a language that we could all speak and understand.

Jarrod had a large plate of french fries while Eli and I were slightly more daring- ordering a seasoned dish of mashed potatoes with octopus for an appetizer and a dish with duck meat and mushrooms for our main meal. Some things- such as this rice dish- must be eaten by more than one person because they are cooked in large quantities- so Eli and I split that pot of deliciousness!

Today Paqui brought to me the neighboring city of Javia where we walked along the beach and walked the dog. The view of the sea and mountains seemed even more beautiful than the view from Denia and I made a mental note to return here on vacation someday.

Tomorrow starts a whole new week of school, or rather falling-asleep-complete-spanish-confusion-daydreaming-of-home-awfulness.

Well that about sums it up!

Feet in a Bookshelf

Last night I woke up around 3am with my head hanging off one side of my bed and my feet jammed in a bookshelf on the other. Maybe this was my body's way of defense as I dreamed of people driving nails into the bottom of their feet and walking away with a "clink" "clink" as if they wore tap shoes.

It was just one of the few strange thoughts that has crept into the recess of my mind late at night... Most often I have dreams of returning home early and then desperately trying to find away back to Spain.

On a more cheerful note, I've been much happier these past few days. Since I've settled into a new school and made friends, some anxiety has been lifted off my shoulders. My spanish is still nothing near fluent or even proficient, but I rejoice in small victories such as recognizing new words or formulating a verb without struggling over the conjugation.

On Sunday morning I went out on my host family's boat for a few hours. As we pushed away from the shore I was mesmerized by the view of Dénia- the city perfectly nestled between the mountain of Montgó and the Mediterranean Sea. I stretched out and closed my eyes to embrace the sunlight warming my skin on that beautiful October day... Just one of those "I can't believe I'm really here and this is happening" kind of moments.

Yesterday (tuesday) I climbed the mountain of Montgó with my host mom, younger sister, and family friends. At first one thinks "this is so easy" because the relatively smooth trail has a gentle incline and its width can fit four across. However, we soon reached the real trail that required us to walk single file, climb steep inclines, and take considerate care to not fall off the side of the mountain. The loose gravel would often slide out from under your feet if a firm step was not planted to hold your weight. We took breaks for water every fifteen minutes and paced ourselves to the top.

"The top" is exactly where we thought we were when we stopped to eat lunch and take in the magnificent view of all the remained below the mountain. Our ultimate destination was to reach the cross though, which we soon found out, would required over another hour's hike. No longer in the shade and protection of the mountain side, our bodies were exposed to the direct sunlight that beat down on us at the time approached noon. Sweat poured down our skin as the climb proved to be even more challenging.

Finally, at the cross, we all sat down to rest and rehydrate while indulging in the breathtaking sight. I plucked two thorns from my shin that had somehow pierced my flesh on the hike up. I found the trickle of blood very suiting though, as I sat at the foot of the cross. We took some pictures, drank more water, and tried to prolong this time of rest before beginning the decent down the mountain.

Some 45 minutes later we began the decent. Before leaving it was announced that everyone was out of water, and the two hour hike in the afternoon heat promised us all a great deal of discomfort. My legs and feet complained at the mercy of each jagged rock they encountered. The only thing willing me to go faster though was the sandpaper in the back of my throat and thick saliva that could barely pass it. Going down the mountain required greater care and patients with the challenging terrain. I felt bad for the young boys that were with us because their legs were much shorter and I could only imagine their discomfort as I took into account my own.

Finally, at the bottom, we piled into the car and chugged down a few warm water bottles that were in the trunk.

I can't deny the amazing view from the top of that mountain. We could see every town and mountain for miles. However, I now understand why most residence of Dénia only make that hike once in their lifetime! ;)

Missin' Jersey

I wanted to make a list of some of the things that I miss most from back home. I think it's obvious that friends, family, and my dog are at the top of this list and I'll try to keep it to a minimum of 20 because otherwise I'll go one typing forever and drive myself into an awful case of homesickness.

 So here goes... I miss:

1. Going to church every Sunday
2. Feeling the church vibrate during worship
3. Getting canoli from the bakery with Leah Jayne
4. Tad waiting at my locker after class
5. Long chats about life with Señorita
6. School sports & clubs
7. cheese steaks
8. Mac N' Cheese!!!
9. Polish Water Ice
10. YoungLife & Campaigners
11. Heart-to-Heart-Coffee-Dates with Robin Shelburne
12. Leaves that change beautiful colors in the fall.
13. My Uggs!
14. Holding a normal conversation with someone & being understood
15. Actually learning something in school
16. Having toilet paper in the school bathrooms
17. Being able to drive
18. youtube videos that don't take hours to load
19. Shaytards
20. Pandora!!!! (it doesn't work in Europe)

I wish I could go on.. I am seriously learning to appreciate all that I have in the United States. However, I know that one day I will be making a list of all the things that I miss from my year in Spain. So it's time to appreciate what I have here and now :)

Skipping School

Today was without a doubt my best day in Spain thus far.

Because of all of the difficulties with my classes, I am changing to a new school on Tuesday. In the mean time, I stayed home today while my host parents took my sister Gloria back to college.

I woke up at 9:30 and went for a run along the beach again. Since it was a Monday morning everyone was off to school or work, so few people were on the path as I ran almost two miles. The sun was strong but a cool breeze swept in off the sea and felt amazing.

Back at home, I took a shower, ate lunch and listened to some music for a while.  What was I to do with a whole day to myself? Anyone with an awesome camera and a beach two blocks away from their house would know….

I straightened my hair, put on a dress, grabbed my purse and walked the two blocks to the sea. For two hours I walked down the path along the beach and explored the different rocks that jet out into the water. I listened to my iPod and took lots of pictures. The more time I spend by the sea, the more I fall in love with this beautiful city. I returned home with scratched legs and messy hair but my camera was full and a smile was bursting from my lips.

Earlier in the morning I had emailed Mr. Casey, my history teacher back in the states, and asked him if I could Skype with my history class today. He had replied and said that we would chat during his 9^th period class so I had to wait until 8pm my time. I had a few hours to kill and went swimming in the pool and then chatted with some other exchange friends that are also living in Spain.

Relaxing on the patio and listening to music, I waited until 8:00 when Mr. Casey called me and we began a video chat with his entire history class. I was so nervous and excited to see all my friends. I wanted to tell them everything that was going here in Spain and remind them to enjoy all of the opportunities that they have in Pitman; like schools clubs, sports, and really nice teachers!! Haha

At the end of their school day all the students left and I waited half an hour before Skyping with several more of my teachers. I introduced Señora C. and Señorita M. to my host parents. They chatted in Spanish and my wonderful host mother invited them to come visit in the spring. Hopefully Señorita will really be able come!!!! Other people joined the chat too like Mr. Petrillo, my English teacher, and lots of friends that drifted through. I was overjoyed to see everyone.

Today is my host parents wedding anniversary so we enjoyed a delicious dinner of crabs and fish. My mom explained that the fish was fresh out of “el mar”: it was caught today and then put right onto our dinner table. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it, because it didn’t have a fishy taste and had a great consistence.

Words can’t express how happy I feel tonight. Skyping with everyone didn’t make me feel homesick at all. Somehow I still feel like I’m right there with you, going to school, and working through the day. To all of you who have been messaging me and responding to my blogs, thank you so much for all of your support and prayers. Even thousands of miles away, I feel exceptionally loved and supported by all of you. Your kind words brighten my day and help me to get through the tough times.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be starting classes at a new school, so wish me luck with that! Goodnight everyone, Love always! <3