I can't believe it took me almost a week to fully unpack my suitcase.
After filtering through my emails, I came across a questionnaire that I had to complete for my school upon my return. It was surprisingly a good way for me to reflect on the last six months, so I thought I would post it here. So here goes!
The five things that I enjoyed most about studying abroad were:
1. Gaining a new perspective through the locals
my kebab grandpa from Tunisia! :]
2. Hearing and speaking French every day
3. Friendships at the foyer...meaningful dinner conversations
4. Working with the little ones at La Schola
precious Isabelle and Victoria
5. The ability to travel near and far (merci metro and European transportation)
Five things that were difficult or bothered me the most while I have been abroad are:
1. Returning to an empty apartment after work
2. Stumbling for words and worrying that the message didn't get through correctly
3. Homelessness in the city and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness
4. Seeing tourists from a resident's perspective and realizing just how obnoxious we could be
5. Coming to terms with my weaknesses...especially while writing my mémoire
The five things I missed most about home while I had been abroad are:
1. Sitting down to dinner with my family
brotherbear and mommy. hehe.
daddy and brotherbear
2. Small group with my nurturing group of sisters
freshmen sg all abroad (L to R): Fran, Eng, Scot, Eng, Scot, Fran :]
3. Praising God in my native language
4. Being able to call loved ones whenever I wanted
5. Not having to wordreference so much!
The five things I have missed least since I have been abroad are:
1. The huge portions...did everything get bigger?
2. Big highway
3. The scorching Texas heat
4. Fake bread. Fake cheese.
5. Taxes!
My greatest single challenge while I have been abroad has been:
Uncovering the pride within me and being forced to swallow it whole. I was afraid to speak out of fear--fear of making a fool out of myself? No, deep inside was a desire to impress and be accepted. Instead, I learned what it felt like for many first-generation Koreans like my parents, who continue to adjust in this fast-paced American society. Every laugh, jeer, even Chinese chingchongchang, was a jab at this ball of pride festering within me. I giggled with them, but deep inside I grew disheartened. The first few months were tough. Every time I lined up at the local boulangerie; every time I interviewed a teacher or parent; every time I stood in front of students to introduce myself or give a presentation. Fortunately for me, this would be the essential ingredient in truly learning another language. Funny how that works, no?
And now I would like to conclude with my own list...
Five Things I learned/re-learned about God while abroad:
1. He is faithful.
2. He loves the people of Paris.
3. He cries with me.
4. He is healer.
5. He wants me to hunger for more.
