Queen of Pro-Con Lists

Buenos Días Todos
Today is another gorgeous day in Alicante, España.  Both Friday and Saturday I was at the beach, although yesterday was clearly a far more superior beach day (I even got a little "tan" or in my case slightly red/brown).  It has been so relaxing this week.  Going to the beach, cooking with Feli, eating tapas with friends, and just hanging out.  Since the weather is so amazing and the beach so tempting, it will be very hard to concentrate on the last few weeks of school.  Pues... no pasa nada. :)
As many of you know, I am very conflicted about leaving Alicante.  I am super-excited to see my friends and family and this summer will be beyond INCREDIBLE!  However, I have fallen in love with everything here (minus being clicked at by strange Spanish men).  I have grown so much in Spain, learned so much about myself, and met some wonderful people.  I think I would be more at peace with leaving if I knew for sure that I was coming back - especially WHEN.  The thought of never seeing my host family again (or for a very very long time) is very triste (Spanish word for sad).  As I am going through the ups and downs of wanting to go home and then not wanting to etc. I thought I would share with you the things I am excited about in the States (Pros) and the things I will miss here in Spain (Cons).


Pros
1. Friends and Family, por supuesto (of course)
2. Ocean City, New Jersey!!!!!!!!
3. Target (and other shopping stores but mostly Target)
4. Sushi (yes, they have sushi in Spain but it just doesn't feel right eating sushi in Spain when there is tapas)
5. Chipotle (aka good Mexican food - the Spanish idea of Mexican food is wayyy off)
6. My closet (I am very excited about having CHOICES for my wardrobe once again)
7. Straightening my hair (I can straighten my hair in Spain but its not worth it here and I just want to see what it looks like again)
8. Chicago (I LOVE Chicago)
9. Loyola (surprisingly I am very excited about all my poli sci and international studies classes this Fall)


The list is tentative and will be further updated when I think of more things.


Cons
1. My host family (Feli and Alba have been such a blessing from the Lord and I adore them in every way - This is definitely the biggest Con of them all)
2. Friends (Although we will still be somewhat close in the States, we probably won't go on anymore amazing backpacking trips and be getting coffee on a regular base together...)
3. The food (tortilla española, cocido, tapas, and all the other wonderful food Feli makes.  Also, I will miss how cheap all the food is here.  The fruits and veggies (and brie cheese) are so cheap here it almost feels like you're stealing.)
4. The blinds on my windows (perfect for taking naps and sleeping in because they block out absolutely ALL sunlight.  I am investing in some when I get back to the States)
5. Coffee (The coffee here is amazing.)
6. The culture, in general (Very laid back, much more focused on family and friends... Living in the Spanish culture has made me more relaxed, less worrisome, and less anxious.  Hopefully these are things I can keep incorporated in my life back in the States.)
7. The language (I will miss speaking Spanish all the time in my classes and then coming home and speaking Spanish.  When I get back to the States I will be on the hunt for a Spanish-speaking partner.)


This semester abroad has been so rewarding.  In more ways than one.  It is sad that it is coming to an end.  Life moves too quickly and time goes too fast.  The rapid passing of life reinforces how important it is to live in the present and enjoy each day as if it were your last.  I know that there is a time for everything ("a time to plant and a time to uproot" Ecclesiastes 3:2b)  However, it still hurts having to "uproot" even though I know I am going on to something else wonderful and that the Lord will grow me in that place like He has grown me here in Spain.


I'll continue to keep the lists updated.  Until then... Hasta luego.
Un beso
Sarah