What a week! I am so excited that last week is over, but also bummed because that means my time in Madrid is running out. Last week started with the six year anniversary of my dad’s death. It is amazing how our bodies sense things, because even before May 5th I always sense my mood changing and I wonder why. Thankfully it was a good day. I received a package from my friend Jess with cds filled with awesome music and a great card. What a perfect day to lift my spirits! The thing I wanted the most was to be with my family, but I know we will stick together even when we are in different countries.
-Dad, I can’t believe how fast time flies and I can’t believe I am in Spain six years later, but I know you have been with me every step of the way! I always remember your words of encouragement. I am still in the boat! : )
Tuesday I had my first Spanish presentation in my marketing class and I was so nervous because I had to speak in front of the Spanish students. Thankfully I was able to memorize my part and was able to practice with my roommates. When the time came my group (all Spanish girls) presented first, which ment I spoke first..aahhh…I was not wanting to start, but oh well. Hooray! I did it and I feel I did a good job. My teacher also mentioned that Jacqueline (my friend) and I (the international students) did great. She asked the class why do they have their parts memorized and you guys don’t. Hehe…the class also applauded for us. I felt very proud of Jacqueline and myself…we did it!
Thursday we also had another presentation for human resources, but thankfully it was only in front of our teacher. One thing I forgot to mention was Monday while I was working on our presentation for human resources my computer stopped working. As you would expect I was just about to save my work to a memory card so I lost what I had been working on. (Side note: I spilt coffee on my laptop a month ago, but by God’s miracle it still worked) Anyways, I stayed up late getting everything done so that Jacqueline could get our paper ready. When it was all done it looked awesome and my group did great. Again I felt proud, excited and relieved.
Even though I still have two more tests and a paper to write I know the worst is completed. Thursday we went out to celebrate, it is then when it hit me how this month will fly by. Saturday I took one of my students to lunch. It was such a good time. I feel with her (Patricia) I can not only teach her English, but can also be her friend. We had some delicious burgers right near my school. I am glad I got to hang out with her and her friend (Sofi) outside of our classes. My job here has been so rewarding more than I expected. I have learned how to teach, I have learned more about why things are the way they are in English, the kids teach me words in Spanish and I have come to develop a special relationship with each of my students!
Saturday night was also fun because I had another girl’s night! It was great. Girls, cookies, a movie, talking, food, wine, nail polish, cookies, and some more cookies. I love having people over and I love when people can have a good time. I am going to miss all the girls that I had at my house. Girls from Holand, Canada, Oregon and California. I know many of them and I will keep in touch; however, I know I will miss them more than I realize. This is an expierence we will always share…something very unique and special.
It is such a bitter sweet feeling knowing the time is coming to an end. If I had the money I would stay for a much longer time, but still I know I have started to become excited to go home. I know once I get home it will hit me hard, but all I plan to do is to take the next three weeks day by day and soak it up.
