by Patience Whitaker| Spring 2024 |
I love Montevideo! The people here are so warm and welcoming, and it’s a walkable city, which I had no idea I needed! It reminds me a little bit of Boston – my favorite city in the United States – except with two beaches and a scorching hot summer! Overall, I have loved living and studying here. Besides the fact that we do not have air conditioning and the occasional arguments over the kitchen break out, I cannot complain.
I have finally found a good routine, and it has made my days ten times better. I have learned that since class is in the house, if I do not leave the house before class starts at ten, I most likely will not be going anywhere for the rest of the day. So, every morning, I get up early, put some effort into my appearance, and either do a devotional or walk to La Bicicleta (a local coffee shop) to start my morning off with two of my favorite things: Jesus and tea! I love the independence of my routines here, and I am really going to miss the autonomy I feel here. Since I can walk everywhere, I do not have to worry about getting a ride. I am free to go when and where I want, and I love it!
My Spanish has improved significantly since coming here, too. I can understand and speak much better now. I miss home, but not nearly as much as I expected to. Moving here has been such a breeze. Of course, there are hard days, but those are usually linked to the issues and annoyances that arise when you live with seven other people in a small house. It is not always easy, but we all surprisingly get along fairly well. It feels like we are a little family at times. Tensions run high, and sometimes I cannot wait to get out of the house, but we all care about each other so much, and I know I will cherish the friendships and memories I have made here! I am finally beginning to feel somewhat at home here.
We have traveled so much and gotten to see amazing and beautiful places that I never imagined I would visit. Traveling to Argentina, Brazil, and Chile has been some of the best experiences I have ever had, and I cannot wait to go to Peru with everyone in a few weeks! In the midst of this crazy busy semester, God has been teaching me a lot about not only myself but also the world and what it looks like to navigate life by His side. He has blessed me with His joy and His peace throughout this semester, but recently, I have been reflecting and noticing that He has also been teaching me to harness His grace.
As much as I have absolutely loved this experience, there have been highs and lows, and I have learned to approach unexpected situations and conflicts with God’s grace in mind. It has had a significant impact on my happiness here. I have also learned to intentionally notice and appreciate my strengths and weaknesses and those of others here and to try to take those into account when communicating and living together. This semester has been a whirlwind of emotions – both positive and negative – but every moment of this experience has been an invaluable lesson that I know has strengthened me as a person and taught me to appreciate my relationships – with friends, family, and the Lord – each and every day.
