Spain, I miss you...

(wrote months ago, just now publishing) Perhaps, Ill start my blog again?

In brief:

In the few weeks (months) upon my sad return from southern Spain, I have had an adequate amount of time to reflect, think, pray,... to be aware of my new surroundings in a new country.  Once I arrived home after been frolicked through London (!!), Portugal and Spain (with matt), it was time to pack for San Diego 5 days later for Susan's graduation. After that, it was time again to pack for Kentucky for the 5th annual sibling (+others) camping trip of Caving! Within the few quiet, gentle, and peaceful moments, I became more aware of my culture shock. 

Coming back was difficult to deal with culture shock; it was different than I how I thought it would be, based from my experience studying abroad in England.  This time from Spain, I thought I would deal with more surface and outer layer differences as it was for London.  At first, culture chock delt with how BIG everything seemed to be here…the cars, the streets, the food portions, the homes, the backyards, the stores, the malls, the plazas, the people and other major differences like the way they value family more, relaxation more and vacations more.  Not only do I disagree with multiple things we do here, but I value and appreciate what people and society do in Spain, or other European countries.

My thoughts transformed after a few weeks of being back in Chicago as it was more than surface level culture chock, but inner. 

It was not an easy ride for friends and family who care for me. It put some strain on some relationships because of my change. I came back with a new view on America and its society and culture. If not new view, then a more exaggerated view from what I already had. I am a more simplified Alice who wants to get rid of unnecessary things and clutter in my life. I know and appreciate beauty in nature and all my surroundings, from the trees and plants to people in different society's and cultures than my own. I have a stronger understanding of what is beyond, greater, and stronger than myself. I have learned how much friendship and my unique family means to me. I understand the importance of solitude and stillness in nature and in devotion, that I can become better aware of people in those settings. Gratefulness is a whole new meaning for me. Smiling when things turn upside is what matters. I know I have a lot of growing to do. In fact, it will never stop as I will continue to grow and learn every day of my life.

So I gratefully thank each of my family members for helping me through this process. Thank you for allowing me to grow as myself and beyond myself. Thank you for allowing me to be myself. Thank you for the laughs and encouragement. I am blessed to be a Bshak! Forever.

Love, your dear Alice