We have exactly one month from today until we are back home! CRAZY! I truly cannot believe how quickly the time is passing. I definitely don't feel like I've lived here for 2.5 months! The thought of moving home in a month makes me almost want to cry, because I've absolutely loved every second of my time here. Therefore, to help me get super excited about moving home... I created a list in one of my classes & decided to make a blog of it. Hope you enjoy :)
TOP TEN REASONS I’M EXCITED TO MOVE BACK TO THE STATES:
[[this excludes the obvious: family & friends!]]
The Village Church!! I absolutely love learning stories about our Savior’s life, His perfect love for me, and worshipping Him wholeheartedly. I admire Matt Chandler and am eager to see him preach again. What makes attending the Village at night so special is the fact that I get to go with two of my most precious friends: Emily & Megan. After church we always stop by Starbucks and spend hours chatting about Jesus’ work in our lives. We typically make a scene from laughing too much. Nothing beats Sunday nights with those girls.
TEXAS. It might seem shocking… but my love for Texas has only grown while I’ve been abroad!! I love country music, Texas weather, cowboy boots, bluebonnets, kids playing in the neighborhood, and southern living.
Full usage of my cell phone. It honestly hasn’t been that bad, promise! But there have been multiple instances when I just want to text / call someone real quick or look something up on the Internet && that hasn’t been an option. The convenience the iPhone brings to our lives is absolutely astonishing – couldn’t be more grateful for that little piece of technology.
"to go" cups! You never realize how much you cherish those portable drinks until you are deprived of them. I will be just about the happiest girl on the planet when I can take a drink with me, wherever I decide to go!
I'm ready for my spelling ability to come back!! I used to feel like I was pretty good at spelling, until I moved to Italy & any spelling ability I had vanished! I don't know if it's because for the first 6 weeks I had to think, write, read, and test in the Italian language, or if it's due to my lack of text messaging.... either way, I'm deeply frustrated with this issue and can't wait to be able to spell again! :)
A variety of toiletries!! That seems pretty silly, but anyone who has lived with me before knows that I love having multiple toothpastes, face washes, moisturizers, shampoos, hair products, etc. I get tired of the same product easily & need to switch it up.
To be able to walk down the street while smiling at anyone & everyone. I’ve pretty much mastered the fake half smile and have learned to walk with my head down. People in Italy don’t say hi to strangers and think it’s crazy to smile at someone you don’t know. Especially being girls, I’ve found it’s just easier and more pleasant to not make eye contact or smile at most people.
To not feel like an animal at the zoo anymore!!! It’s a rare occasion that we walk 10 steps without being completely, entirely starred down. We consider it our lucky day when we walk by people without getting any comments. It will be nice to be just another face in the crowd again.
NO LANGUAGE BARRIER!!! woo - hooo!! I definitely have a new found appreciation for people trying to live in the U.S. without knowing English. We're practically all-stars at getting by in our small town with italian phrases & hand gestures... but it's just not the same. I miss the small talk that comes with being able to say more than simple phrases.
my pretty little car. I cannot even wait for the opportunity to just hop in my car whenever my heart desires. I will love not having to deal with public transportation. Don't get me wrong; public transportation has been the best thing that ever happened to Europe. It's made traveling a thousand times easier than I could ever imagine. Butttt -- trains are yucky.
