So cliche. Seriously. But it's all that I can manage to say.
I don't even know how I'm feeling. Words are insufficient sometimes.
I started to write last Friday, and I began with saying that this is the final of everything. The final day of classes. The final weekend. The final week. I've spent 16 amazing weeks in Klaipeda, and I am halfway through my last week already.
Is this for real? Most of my other friends are finished with exams, but I'm only halfway. I had TEIL Practicum on Monday which went really well, then Digital Photography and Conflict Analysis today which didn't go too bad. Tomorrow I have TEIL Methodology and Lithuanian, Thursday is my off day, and Friday I have Linguistics.
I don't even know what I'm feeling. Similarly to earlier in the semester, I want to go home. But then I want to stay. This time I'm at the extremes... I either REALLY want to go home (mostly because I don't want to study anymore) or I REALLY want to stay.
Today I thanked my photography and conflict analysis professors, and I almost got choked up. Photography has been a royal pain in the butt, but the last couple weeks has been a transformation. As I've gotten to know my professor, some of my reasons for not liking him have been justified, but others have not, but in fact has been a complete turnaround. I've learned to joke around with him and maybe even enjoy his class. With my conflict analysis prof, she is so awesome. She's not married but teaches this hardcore subject about something that every single person has to deal with. We had a smaller class of 13 students and it was amazing being in that class with them. We argued and listened to each other and learned so much.
I cannot forget to write about the last two weeks. On November 30th it was Laura's 21st birthday (see the above two photos) so we went out to the jazz club. It was just the roomies for most of the night and it was a bonding experience. That weekend Ashton, Olya, Danielle and I stayed in the Klaipeda Hotel for Danielle's 22nd birthday. :) She didn't know it of course, and was totally surprised. It was an AMAZING night. We also got to see the lighting of the big Christmas tree in the center!
Sunday afternoon I went with Benita to see her mom play volleyball at Klaipeda University. Yes, her mom. It's a league for women over 35. Then we went back to the center because they had markets set up. Above is a picture that we took during the game (yes, my hair is straightened).
And also Benita and me in front of the big Christmas tree.Because I had so much fun that weekend, I got no work done. So last week was crunch time. I've never done so much work in such a short amount of time.
Last weekend was pretty great too. Friday after classes were finished all the study abroads, interns and directors went to HBH, the restaurant we went to in the very beginning of the semester; last time we wrote about our expectations of the semester, and this time what they are going home and reflecting back what God has taught us. Saturday I went to the center with Ashton and Danielle to get my last of souvenirs and I got some pretty sweet pants as well. Sunday it SNOWED. It was a beautiful time of enjoying my last service at the City Church, then having a snowfight and building a snowman. :)
Yesterday Vilma and I ventured out in the snow to the center...Tomorrow after my two exams I'm going to the Usrey's for a farewell, then having pancakes with the Neumann study abroads. Thursday I'm having coffee with two girls on my floor, Sara and Polina. As well as packing, and studying for my final on Friday, andddd the last roommate date.
I will especially miss the Baltic Sea... I've recently got to see some pretty spectacular sunsets. And in case any of you want to hear what the rolling waves sound like... :)I really am excited to come home. It's been a blessing being here for 4 months of my life. I can't imagine not have experienced these precious 4 months. I can't wait to see you all! And spend Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus. :)
