Home Is Where People You Love the Most Are

It's currently 12:05 AM and I desperately need to go to sleep but I just wanted to write a short post telling you all how much I love you. I know my pictures and stories have covered the fact that I was struggling to find my place here in Alicante, especially with making friends, good friends. I felt, and still do feel, like I am at a different place in life than most of the kids here. 90% are juniors and some are even sophomores. They have the best year of their life coming up while I am ending mine. Now, I know what you are thinking, Hilary is super outgoing and friendly and positive. Well, yes, but so are 40 other people here and just because I want to be someone's friend doesn't mean they want to be mine. Basically my point is, today I finally realized that I am truly happy and content with my life. I have friends here, who really are great and I love hanging out with them but they will not and can not replace any of the friends I have back in the states. And that's okay; I have the BEST friends back home who care about me and support me in everything I do. And that I can still maintain relationships with them while beginning new relationships with people here. That goes the same for my family. My mom is absolutely amazing and she has been my rock throughout this entire transition. I think I have spoken with my sister more in the past month and half than all of last semester. And even Hunter let's down his "cool" guard to talk to me once in awhile. This also extends to aunts and uncles and Nan and Papa who have made it possible for me to study abroad and continue to look out and care for me.

So when you look through my pictures or read about a ridiculous story on blog, know that yes, I am having a blast, the time of my life, honestly. But also remember that I think about you all every day and every day I am so thankful and truly happy that you are apart of my life. If it wasn't for you, I would crumble.

As for a quick update on my life overseas, today I joined a gym, which I am really excited about! It's called Holiday Gym and is literally a 3 minute walk from my house. My friend, Shaina, she is studying here for the entire year, came with me tonight to register and then after we stayed for 2 classes: cyclo and dance. They both were awesome but I was exhausted afterwards...and very, VERY out of shape. Also tonight after dinner, Lidia told me we needed to fill out this questionaire from my program about how the homestay was going. It made me smile when she circled "muy bien" for how well we got along, and also put that we go out together, eat together and basically enjoy the Spanish lifestyle together. She then told me that with other students she has had to write stuff that was going wrong; for example, one student stayed in her room and slept the days she didn't have class or when she came home from class earlier. It's reassuring to hear that my family enjoys my company. Ariadna's birthday is Friday and she will be 9! I still don't know what we are doing because I don't even think she knows! There was talk about going to McDonalds, so I'm excited! I told them how when I was younger, I always wanted to eat in the play area but my mom would never let us because then I wouldn't eat! I also think we are celebrating it after the weekend. This weekend is Carnival which can be compared to Mardi Gras mixed with Halloween. I am dressing up as the devil and a girl from my class, Hannah, is going to be an Angel. Tomorrow night kicks off the weekend with a mask party in the Barrio and there are parades and a festival all weekend long. Should be fun!! Also I realize I need to catch you up to speed on my viajes (trips), like MOROCCO, AFRICA!! Which I am hoping to do soon.

Alright, it's off to bed for this girl. Thanks for taking the time to read and know that you all mean the world to me. I love you!!

paz.abrazos.besos (peace, hugs, kisses)

-Hilary