I haven't always thought this. I mean, I've always enjoyed getting back to the comfort and security of home after some time traveling, but I have never considered it the highlight of the journey...until now. I'm not sure if it's my age or current position in life or what, but the past two weeks at home were exactly what I needed. They were the highlight of the last three months of my life, not only because they gave me a break from life in France, but also because they allowed me to gain some perspective on my experiences and the knowledge I have gained. The relative discomfort of life in France (as it compares to home) made couches, comfortable beds, easy-to-find and reliable internet connections, driving without fearing for my life, free and convenient laundry machines, American coffee, Mexican food, and the English language more refreshing that they have ever been. Most of all, the ease of communication with family and friends was one of the greatest comforts I have ever felt.
Of course, it also doesn't hurt to have caught up on this season of The Office, drank my weight in drip coffee, and fulfilled my Qdoba craving.
I don't mean to make life in my little French town sound bad...it's not, by any means. It's just that all of the comforts listed above are basically non-existent. It's also very different than the time I spent in Paris two years ago...in case anyone doubted it, Paris is not representative of the rest of France. So, adjusting to a much more "typical" French lifestyle has been a little bit of an adventure, with plenty of unexpected surprises thrown in.
The title of this post may be misleading...I do not mean to say that I don't appreciate or enjoy my experiences abroad. It is more that in coming home, these experiences are somewhat solidified. I am able to get a taste of how the things I learn will be valuable for the rest of my life, and it's amazing to see how my new perspective on the world has made even the smallest things look a little different. Beyond that, being home re-energized and re-directed me, allowing me to focus on what I want to accomplish during my next four months in France. I'm not sure that it should have taken me going back home to do this, but it turns out that it did. As I make my way back to Romans, I feel incredibly optimistic about the opportunities ahead of me.
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Well well well..., Kelsey Jo. I keep thinking I should really get around to writing this letter, but then I realize that I dont have electricity and I can see the paper in front of me, so it waits. Plus it will take forever to get to France. So...Maybe one to home will be better. Also if you really want to be ¨discomforted¨ just come and take a visit to my little town of 60 houses. I love you and miss you. Jefe
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