Dear Deutschland

Dear Deutschland,

When I was in elementary school, we did a project on our heritage. We had to ask our parents about where our family came from, and who we were. With that I learned that I was a blend of people from  five different countries. The largest part of me by far being German. When hearing I was German, it stood out among the rest. I don't know why that one stood out more than any of the others. As a got older, I felt I was more German than anything else because both sides of my family have large German backgrounds and my Step-dads family is also largely German. Ever since elementary school I wanted to go to Germany, so when I heard about the Global Health Care Study Abroad program through ACU in Leipzig, Germany I knew it was meant to be.

I then found out that it was now or never.

The Global Health Care Program is only offered every other summer, and I am supposed to complete an internship the summer after my Junior year, so it was truly now or never. I applied in the fall and was anxiously waiting to hear whether I was accepted.  The school year continued and I continued to get more excited. When receiving the acceptance email, it felt unreal. One of my dreams for the longest time was coming true. As I finished the school year I got more and more excited, but I also realized my nerves were piling up. I realize that I’m shy, I don’t do these things. I don’t travel across the world with people I don’t know. I don’t live in a foreign country and away from home for seven weeks. I realized this isn’t me. This is not who I am and I can’t do this. My fears piled up and I was no longer the excited elementary school kid ready to fullfill her dream. As my departure day came closer, I became more scared. I knew if I backed out I would regret it.  I knew going was the only option, but that turned my fear into sadness.

After landing in Dallas, I thought ‘what did I get myself into?’ but thanks to Soren and Victoria I felt a wave of relief.  They opened up “their circle” and let me in. (Did you get the Stranger God Reference?) From that point on they were my people. I was starting to see God’s plan unfold.  As a shy introvert it’s hard to open up to people and make friendships right away. But God showed me again to trust in His plan. Victoria and Soren became my friends, my sisters, my mothers when I needed advice, and my children when they got crazy. And that’s only where the family tree begins.

When you think about what you will learn while studying abroad, you think about the big things. You think about learning the language and the culture; learning how to live away from home and find your way in a new environment; and learning about the information taught in your classes. But what I  learned most about while studying abroad is about myself and God. I didn't know anyone going on this trip. As a shy introvert that was scary. I knew it would be important for me to step out of my comfort zone, put myself out there more, and make new friendships. As I look back, I can proudly say that is exactly what I have done. I have learned how to be more outgoing and to step out of my comfort zone. I learned that I can be independent while still forming close relationships. I learned about a new part of me. That I’m not just the shy girl. That I can not just step out of my comfort box, but dive head first into the unknown. I learned that God is with me wherever I go and climbing the large and small mountains by my side.

Before coming to ACU, I wasn't very strong in my faith, and I very much wanted to form a closer relationship with God.  This past year has been great, but with leaving Abilene for the summer, part of me was a little scared that I would leave my close relationship with God at ACU. This trip has taught me that is not possible. I have learned that God is with you wherever you go, and often times He’s there before you. After visiting The Buchenwald Concentration Camp, I learned that God was there, and is still there. The past seven weeks have taught me that I could not have forgotten to pack Jesus because He is walking with me.  He is with me now and He will walk with me forever. If I could take away only one thing from this trip I would want it to be this lesson.

As I sat on the last plane ride home, I was able to reflect on my study abroad experience. After the numerous hours of traveling, many late nights of homework, and early mornings of shadowing,  I realize I would not have been able to do it without the wonderful people I met on this trip. The group of strangers who quickly became family. I can’t express how grateful I am for the relationships formed during this experience. Thank you ACU Study Abroad, thank you Professors Mr. and Mrs. Austin and Professors Mr. and Mrs. Powell. Thank you Global Health Care Group and most of all, thanks God!  

Deutschland, Thank You!