I know.
Don't say it.
I've been gone for a while.
I know I haven't blogged in a minute and I apologize for that. I've spent the last few months learning what the real meaning of exchange is. I've gone through hardships that I could have never imagined facing before embarking on this exchange. I've done things I could have never seen myself doing before. I've changed and grown so much that I can hardly remember who I was when I first arrived.
November was a rough time for me. I had just switched host families and it wasn't a match. A lot of problems had occurred. Eventually I was changed to another house temporarily before leaving for my big 28 day trip along the northeast coast of Brazil. From November until Mid-February I wasn't in one place for longer than two weeks (forget January because I was traveling the entire time). It was rough.
I had come home to the news that I was going back to the original family in which I had problems. I was at a loss for words. I didn't know what to do. The relationship was still awful and awkward between them. I thought it was irreversible, I couldn't stand it. That's where I started to amaze myself. With the help of my outbound coordinator and supporters I took steps and went so far out of my comfort zone that my entire perspective on what I'm capable of doing has changed. My relationship with this family has taken a complete 180. I thought it was just the universe out to get me, but I realized I had all of the power to make it better in my control.
My support group had helped me so much with everything I had encountered, they got the changes kickstarted for me and I couldn't be anymore thankful. But there's a lot more than just relying on others to fix your problems. You have to step out of your comfort zone and find independence in yourself.
Exchange isn't the memories you take with you, exchange is about taking your experience and keeping the lessons you've learned inside of you. If anyones asks me, "What was your favorite part of exchange?" I will tell them that my favorite part of exchange is the person I have become. You take the good and the bad, and you learn from it. You keep that with your heart and with your actions for the rest of your life.
I am so proud of myself and the person I continue to become. I've shown myself dedication and determination throughout all of this. At any point I could have just ran away from the problem. I am so beyond happy with my progress I've shown myself. I am so grateful for every hardship I have experienced during my exchange.
Everything passes, and as they pass you continue to grow. I couldn't imagine going through a different chain of events, because if it wasn't for the lows then I wouldn't know how to work for and appreciate the highs.
The blessed are the flexible for they cannot be broken or bent out of shape. This phrase can change your entire perspective if you let it.
My current host brother, Vini (7)
Rio de Janeiro during my trip along the northeast coast of Brazil.