I’ve always had so many things in my life to be grateful
for, but this semester I’ve realized just how blessed I actually am. It’s not
something I talk about often, because it feels like bragging, but I truly am so
very, very grateful for all the things happening in my life and the people that
have made them happen.
I’m grateful for my new host family. They are absolutely wonderful
people, and extraordinarily welcoming. They opened their family up to me right
off the bat with a welcome party, which was so special. I have a real mattress,
she loves cooking vegetarian food, and I get to listen to church bells as I
fall asleep at night. I love that we have deep conversations about life while I’m
getting ready in the morning. She’s so hospitable that she has already offered
to let me stay here when I come back to Sevilla this January, which means that
I don’t need to be worried about finding a hotel or hostel during the holidays
here. I’m grateful that she sees me as part of the family, and that I’ll be
able to see her grandkids choir concert in the big cathedral. (PS. My host mom
came in while I was writing this and crying a bit, and hugged me. It was cute.)
I’m grateful that I’m having all of these wonderful
adventures. Every experience I have teaches me more about myself as a person,
and where I want to go from here. I’m really experiencing the world, not just seeing it.
I’m grateful that my concussion was only a temporary road
bump, and that my knee hasn’t acted out too badly since I've’ve been here. My
health is something I really cherish, especially after experiencing what it’s
like to not be able to count on it.
I’m grateful that I was able to get the loans I needed to come
abroad, and that I’m in the position where travelling is a possibility for me.
But mostly, I’m grateful to be surrounded by angels. There
are so many people in my life that I wouldn't be able to have done this
without. I didn’t want to post the thank-yous I wrote to my parents because
they felt too personal, but please know that I sent them thank-yous too.
To my friends here in Sevilla: I’m so glad I have you in my
life. This experience would be impossible if I didn’t have such a strong
network of people surrounding me, looking out for me, caring about me. You guys
make every day better.
To Holy Cross: Thank you for starting me young. My roots are
with you guys in Redmond, and I’m so glad I’ve grown up with you. You raised
me, supported me through everything, and helped me form a faith that is more a
part of me than my limbs are. I’m so grateful for the mission trips, pilgrimages,
volunteer outings and more that taught me that there’s so much to see in the world,
and so many ways to help, not only abroad, but in my backyard as well.
To the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia: Thank you so much for
the HYC system, and everything that came along with it. I met my best friends
there, and gained a huge support network that’s always there for me (and I’m
always there for them). I have a huge family because of you, including so many
incredible, strong, inspiring people to look up to and influence my decisions.
I’m the person I am today because of your influence. Thank you for taking me to
Israel, for really opening my eyes to other cultures and religions. That trip
has influenced my outlook on life and is one of the lenses I use to make
decisions and analyze new experiences.
To the lovely people at the Newman: Thank you all for
inviting me to Mexico last spring and reminding me how much I love working
abroad and volunteering. That trip reminded me why I study Spanish, and why it’s
worth all the long hours. It reminded me how easy it is to truly connect with
people if you’re just willing to listen. Thank you for welcoming me into your
community and teaching me about Catholicism so patiently and without judgment.
I go to mass every Sunday here, and understand (mostly;)) everything that’s
happening, which is really special to me. Because of the things you taught me I’m
able to connect with people more easily and gain a deeper understanding of
Spanish culture.
To my high school Spanish teacher, Mrs. Shadley: Thank you
for never giving up on me, even when I didn’t want to be there. Gracias por nunca me deja por imposible, aún a
veces no quería estar allí.
To Profesora Carbajal: Thank you for making me love Spanish.
Your love of Spanish is obvious and infectious, and the things I learned from
you have been essential here in Sevilla. I mean, it’s no Carbajalandia, but
most of the same rules apply. Thank you for telling me it was possible, that I
could do this semester, and for your help in preparing. You’ve really
influenced how I want to live my life, and I appreciate it. Gracias por me daba una pasión por Español. Tú amor
por la lengua es obvio y contagioso, y las cosas que aprendí son esencial aquí
en Sevilla. Pues, no es Carbajalandia, pero la mayoridad de las leyes todavía están
aplicables. Gracias por me dijo que esta experiencia estaba posible y por su
ayuda con las preparaciones. Ha influenciado la manera en que quiero vivir mi
vida y lo aprecio mucho.
To my friends back home: You all have been so sweet, I
really can’t say thank you enough. The letters, facebook messages, and
snapchats, all of it makes me feel so at home. I was so worried before I left
that you would forget about me, learn to get on with life without me and when I
got home, there wouldn’t be a place for me anymore. It sounds stupid now, but those
thoughts wiggle themselves in your head and then you can’t get rid of them. I love
you all so very, very much, and can’t wait to see you in a couple of months.
Start working on your arm strength now, because when I get back all of the hugging
will happen. If your arms fall off, at least I warned you.
But mostly, I want to thank my family, for always supporting
me and helping me follow my dreams. All my cousins, grandparents, everybody.
You always have my back, and I’m so glad I got to grow up with a support
network as strong as I did.
Everyone, thank you for being in my life. I thank the
Lord every day for you, and hope you realize how special you are to me. Every
single one of you has made me who I am today, and I wanted you to know that. Have
a wonderful Thanksgiving, eat some cranberries for me.
Lots of love, Katie
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