Monday, June 29, 2020

Hey Bonn, imy :(

I have now been back in Texas for a little more than three months. A lot has happened since coming back. These days feel like a totally different life than the life I lived in Bonn. I still keep up with my host family; we message online weekly. 

I read this blog post that stated, "You get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place. Like you'll not only miss the people you love, but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you'll never be this way ever again."

There is a lot of truth for me in this quote. This past semester was more for me than just a study abroad. This semester made me part of another family. This was the semester that concluded my college experience. To anyone who may be reading this and has been apart of this journey with me, thank you. 

It has been hard reflecting on my time in Germany, because part of me feels that the program was ripped away from us. Aside from that, life has forced me to carry on. Since being back, I have graduated from Texas A&M, I have struggled with the emotions of living in this pandemic, and I have battled with the fact that the world around me feels more broken than ever at times. It's a lot to reflect on in just three months. 

This journey I started back in January is far from over.

The biggest part of the trip that I am still applying to my life currently is practicing mindfulness and meditation. With so much going on at the moment, I have to force myself to take a step back daily and just breathe in this world that can feel so suffocating. I take time everyday to get lost in the things I enjoy.  

I am so very grateful for the short time I did get in Germany and I'm hopeful that the benefits of this experience will continue to reveal themselves for many years to come. 

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Retrospect

It’s been a while since i wrote one of these. Time haven’t necessarily been tough since we’ve been back but they have been slow and chaotic. I’m not sure what i’m waiting for but i have a gut feeling that there will be a new challenge/journey in my near future i just need to be ready to spring into action like i did when deciding to go to Germany. I haven’t done much recently besides spend a lot of time with family, study summmer classes and workout occasionally. I have yet to get sick from covid so that’s a great plus. I am headed back to cstat for the first time since last fall, i miss that place. All this sitting around at home has made me want to do something great.  Going from living life at full potential to be stuck at home for months really puts a damper on the mind.Im excited for what the future holds and i want to make the most of it. I am thankful all that has happened to me and i am ready for all that will.
Love 
Jack