Thursday, July 4, 2013

Home.

We were told that we would come back changed and I successfully say that I have accomplished that. The beautiful, welcoming country of Jordan has changed me - emotionally, mentally, and even physically.

I can't put into enough words how thankful and appreciative I am of this experience. Though not for everyone, it is life-changing and eye-opening. From refugee camps, to the constat hearing of bombs going off in the distance, to walking the streets of Irbid, to the weekend trips in 5 star resorts - everything came together to create a beautiful and perfect experience. I could not have asked to share it with any other people. By the end of the trip, we all became great friends and even though Emily, one of the girls, is transferring, I know we will remain friends. You can't spend six weeks in the Middle East with nine others and not come back without a bond. One learns a lot about others when in such an environment as the one we were in.

The last week of the trip was saddening and I did not want to leave. I could have stayed for months. Life is slower and is just appreciated. People are happy and love life. They celebrate soccer wins in the streets and graduations by hanging out the windows of their cars, driving far below the speed limit on the highway, all while honking their horns. We were welcomed at every restaurant we ate at and every shop we entered.

If this trip has done nothing else, it has solidified my want to continuing learning about the Middle East. It is comforting knowing I have chosen the right region to study and more importantly the right language. Arabic is hard, but it becomes worth it more and more every day. I have gained so much knowledge about the language in the short span of six weeks and it is a rewarding feeling, knowing it will all pay of one day.

There is nothing I would have changed about this trip, except perhaps the length. The Kaitlyn who arrived left a part of herself there and came back someone different.  This is what life is all about - having experiences that make you question everything. Comfort is safe and secure. I don't want comfort, I want adventure. I want to not know where life will take me.

I ended this adventure by celebrating my birthday in the company of my nine fellow students and two fantastic professors, sipping tea in the moonlight and talking about the trip. I realized twelve minutes after midnight it was finally my birthday on Jordanian time and I was so glad I was surrounded by amazing people for it. Even better was that I was able to travel on my 20th birthday, no longer a teenager, through three countries. I said goodbye to the country I fell in love with and headed on to London, where I was able to see the palace from the air. With less than an hour, we made our connecting flight and began the last leg of our journey: returning to the United States. I was greeted, quite surprisingly, at customs with a "Happy Birthday"and I was let on through with no trouble. Though six bags were lost out of the ten students, I lucked out and my bag was present. Though I had a heavy heart and it was hard to say goodbye to my friends after spending every day for six weeks by each others' sides, I was glad to be greeted by my mother, sister, aunt and uncle. It was sad to leave Jordan, but I know that one day I will be back, guaranteed, because a part of my heart with forever be in this country.

Remember, adventure is out there.