Apparently this terminology isn’t really used anymore, but it sounds poetic, so I’m going to use it.
In two weeks, I’ll be back in Oregon. This seems unbelievable as this has been the fastest six months of my life. I can’t believe that six months ago, I was writing about the stress of getting my visa and attempting to pack and planning a bridal shower when now my stress stems from re-packing, finishing exams, and then going home to holiday and wedding chaos.
And yet, I’m not trying to focus on all of that. Instead, I’ve made it my mission to embrace every last second that I can. Whether it’s hanging out with my roommates, having dinner with friends, or going off in to Klaipeda on my own to just soak in everything this city has to offer. I’ve been able to squeeze in more family dinners, go to Christmas markets, and visit with people from all over the world. I may have mentioned this in an earlier blog post, but arriving in Klaipeda never felt “foreign” to me. Unlike when I first arrived in Bosnia, I adapted easily to the Lithuanian way of life and didn’t go through a readjustment period. I felt comfortable and ready to encounter any language or cultural barrier. And sitting here, nearly six months later after I first arrived, the only word I can think of is that this is home. I’m fortunate to have many “homes” scattered across the world. Canada, Oregon, France, Bosnia, and now I get to add Klaipeda to the list.
True, I do have presentations, papers, and exams to complete in the next week and a half, not to mention actually pack a suitcase and finish Christmas cards for everyone.
I only have eleven days left, but I’m not going to waste those days. I’ll blast my Christmas music and eat as much kepta duona as humanly possible.
And, in the meantime, here’s my group’s final video project. It’ll probably do a better job of showing off how fantastic this semester was.
Anyway, I better start my 1500 word essay on China’s political economy.
Until I’m procrastinating on packing,
– Kate
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