My Top Ten

As much as it breaks my heart to write this, because doing so means my semester abroad has come to an end, it has to be done. I thought I would sit down and write my top ten favorite things about study abroad and Spain in general which is going to be difficult because I have LOVED EVERYTHING!

1)  I love the shopping. Besides the obvious favorites like H&M and Zara (which I have grown to greatly appreciate!), I love the open markets and all the little tiendas around town. There is so much to see and so much to BUY-I think my parent will be glad to have me back home and NOT spending money.

2) The food here is deliciosa! This of course is due to our host mom, Mariola, and her excellent cooking but the added pounds can verify that I have been eating GrEaT. Not only do I need to mention the food but I could go on and on about the chocolate. It is only the best thing I have tasted. Everything with chocolate is sooo good. I’m trying to fit as much candy in my suitcase as possible because I can’t go back to American chocolate now.

3) Learning about the history and all the sites we get to visit has been incredible. There is so much to see in every town that we go too, 3 months here was not enough. Even walking around Madrid you encounter old palaces, historical cathedrals right near modern hotels and metro stations. Plus in Alcala de Henares we have been studying at one of the oldest universities in Spain- how cool is that?

4) I love being able to travel. This has always been one of my favorite things in life. There is no greater feeling than going through customs and receiving that stamp in your passport- that’s when it hits- you are in another country! We have spent time traveling around Spain during these three months but I was also able to visit Portugal, Paris, and soon ITALY!

5) I love the people I have met in my group. As cheesy and corny as it sounds I know that study abroad is where I was supposed to be. These girls (and David) have helped me so much. I’ve overcome fears, laughed a LOT, and gotten so close with all of them. We have all endured 3 months together and these guys have become my family abroad. We have survived day trips to Madrid, overnight low two sesh’s, and long bus rides together; yes there was some fighting and some tears (occasionally) but that is just what you can expect from a family. So here is a little shout out to all of them. Felicia, Michael Ann, Luisa, Laura, and David- you guys are the best!!

the besties and our bracelets :)

temple time!!

6) We learned in religion class that you need to love what you learn. I had a bitter outlook on my minor in Spanish while up at school. Mainly because the language didn’t interest me and also because language class are not the most fun thing to sit through, but I have really grown to love Spanish. I love the way it sounds and the accent, and I love learning a new language. Ever y day is a learning opportunity and every day my Spanish is improving.

7) I never liked single’s ward very much, and in fact I was not very active in participating in my wards up at school or when I’m home. Since coming to Spain I have met some of the most awesome single adults ever. These guys are great. They taught us how to yell chants during soccer games, cool phrases like “tu eres la leche”, and invite us to all their fiestas. I am going to miss them mucho!

I love Fabiola! She was the nicest, sweetest, and just the best!!

the group

8) I love the members in our ward. They are such an example to me and to all of us. The church has only been in Spain since 1970 so everyone is pretty new to the gospel, but they are all so strong. Their testimonies and lifestyles are witnesses to that every day. While they face many of the same challenges that we do, they face others that are very different. Many of them have been disowned by their families for joining the church and some have never talked to their families to this day. They are great people and they make church such a learning experience for me.

9) I love Boni and Mariola. They have been great to Felicia and I. As much of a pain as it was I’m so glad we moved three times and found them. They are the best! They are so sweet about talking to us, and so patient with our Spanish. They have lived amazing lives as converts to the church and their testimony of the gospel is so strong and inspiring. I am really going to miss them!

I'm going to miss my second family. They made Spain UH-mazing!

10) I just LOVE EVERYTHING. Every morning I wake up and it feels like a dream being over here. It has been a surreal experience and I’m so sad to see it ending. I am going to miss everything about this place. My semester abroad was everything I hoped for and more! Now all that’s left to do is say goodbye.

GOODBYE SPAIN-YOU WILL BE MISSED!!