5 Months in, 5 months out

Hola! 

1. The days go slow but the weeks fly by. One of the biggest adjustments I’ve had to make since moving to South America was slowing down my pace of life. As someone who thrived on being busy and worked best under pressure, my life looks drastically different now than it did a year ago. I went from 6am workout classes, 15 credit-hour semesters, a full time job, and extracurriculars to living in a culture that has 5 hour work days, flexible schedules, and prioritizes deeper connections over strict timelines. And honestly, it’s been a hard adjustment. Everyone romanticizes living a slower life, but when you really slow down, you’re left with a feeling of not being enough that is drilled into rushed American culture.  And, slowing down also doesn’t mean life moves slower. The last five months have gone by faster than I could have ever expected and, before I know it, the next five months will end too. 
2. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. I’ve always been someone who hates saying goodbye, but somehow ended up being the one who’s always leaving. Still, I have never understood this saying until I moved across the world. But now I know the truth behind it. I am convinced that I have the best friends and family in the world because of the way that they have shown up for me from so far away. My parents who call me every night after dinner, my sisters who call me early in the morning to talk before I go to work, my college roommate who schedules facetime calls so we can stay up-to-date, or my best friend from home who got a passport and booked her first international flight alone to come visit me. I’ve never been more sure who my people are, and I’ve never been more thankful to have them in my life. 
3. The biggest mistake you could ever make is being too afraid to make one. If I had listened to my fear of failing I wouldn’t be close to where I am right now. It’s scary to move across the world. It’s scary to start a new job in a new language. It’s scary to navigate a new culture. But it’s also so rewarding. I do things here that scare me every single day. And I know that because I have the confidence and courage to do these things, I can chase my dreams. Because truly, what’s the worst that could happen? 

So, as I start these last five months, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and I’m excited for all that is still to come. I am truly living in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am so thankful for all that has come from this Lumos program. 

With love, Sarah