It's late, and I'm tired, but I wanted to share a couple of thoughts with you before I leave tomorrow.
I have been so blessed with unexpected kindness this year. Moving abroad is hard, especially when you're not there long enough to really plant roots. It can be difficult to introduce yourself and expect someone to put effort into a relationship with you when you're leaving 2 months after you meet them. That being said, the people who do try and who go out of their way to be helpful are some of the best people in this world. I cannot even explain how much I appreciated anytime that someone took a couple extra seconds to make sure I understood what they were talking about and to have a conversation with me. Seriously, that is a big deal.
And what about me? Am I a new person? Have I changed? I don't know about that, but I like to think that my lenses are a little wider, that my tolerance has increased, and that I better understand the importance of kindness. If I walk away with that, it's a success. The French is just a bonus.
So, am I sad to leave? Heck yes. But I am so excited for the next few weeks and then to be home that I can hardly handle myself. On to the next adventure, I say. Tomorrow will just be about breathing, appreciating the country that I'm in, and the people I've grown to care so much about.
So until the next time, this is la fille qui rit signing off for the last time from France.
Much love,
Angie
You are a blessing to all who know you!
ReplyDeleteCOME HOME. I'm so happy you had such an outstanding time though!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Angie!
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I've enjoyed reading about your adventures in France. I am an assistant in the TAPIF program this year, and I recently found out that I will be living in Savenay! I'm assuming I'll fill the same position you had last year. I would love to talk with you more about your time there and any advice you may have. Feel free to contact me at susanna.long@otterbein.edu. Merci!