Family.

I’ve said this before… and I will continue to say it. I cannot believe how quickly my time in The Netherlands has gone by. The past couple weeks, as blurry as they are, are also as clear as can be. I am now back to my first home and have been for a couple weeks now- just trying to get readjusted to being on American soil and in an environment where the only thing changed is me... I say first home because after seven weeks and a couple days, many fun and emotional memories/adventures and getting to know a family of complete strangers… I have found a second home, in Hilversum. Strangers immediately became friends, and soon after that became my family. I’ve always dreamt about how great it would be to see different countries and meet different people, hear stories and witness the beauty in life. But I always just dreamt and never thought it would become a reality. Who I was, even just seven weeks ago, is much different (even though still the same) than who I am today. And I have this experience, traveling to a different country, to thank for that. Coming to somewhere completely new is quite intimidating, the unknown is overwhelming, and insecurities come out that you may have never realized were there before. When I first arrived here, in The Netherlands, at Schiphol Airport, I felt like a lost puppy. Very vulnerable, confused, and submerged in a culture much different than my own. Lucky for me however, I was greeted by some of the kindest, most gentle and loveable people I have ever met. Want to know something even luckier than that? These “people” would soon be my family for the next several weeks and a lifetime after that. It did not take long for Maartje, Mark, Valentijn, Jasmijn and I to start feeling comfortable with each other. From taking walks with Maartje, to listening to Country music with Mark and playing soccer and tag with Valentijn and Jasmijn, my heart quickly became full. It’s funny how nerves and overwhelming feelings take over and quite literally control your life, for what seems to be a century leading up to certain experiences and then in just an instant those feelings are lifted, and a sense of calm relief is present. Although I could talk on and on about this experience, my new family and all the fun times we had, I think I am just going to leave it with this… A quote that was recently sent to me by someone very special, “We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” To say I believe in this whole heartedly is an understatement. I believe everything happens for a reason and I also believe that I was placed in The Netherlands not just to learn and experience education outside of The United States, but more importantly to experience the worlds beauty and to open my heart to complete strangers that would of course soon, become family. Life has a special way of opening doors for you at just the right moments. I think my door to The Netherlands opened just when I needed it to. Even though seven weeks is a short time (a very short time), I managed to have tremendous self-realizations and growth. Because of this and because of the unique bond I have with my new family- Hilversum, The Netherlands will always hold a very special place in my heart. Usually I end these by saying, “Greetings from The Netherlands” but for now, I think I will say… See you next time, Holland! And thank you for the experience of a lifetime. With love, -Gina