Heimat – Leipzig Fall 21

Heimat. That means home in the German language. Leipzig has truly become home for me. Three months ago I came to Leipzig not knowing what to expect. I was nervous, intimidated by the language, and already missing the familiarity of Texas. But those feelings did not last long as my time abroad quickly began to transform me. I was transformed by stepping outside of my comfort zone in three ways; I became independent and open-minded, and I learned how to love those around me better. 

I never really saw myself as independent until I spent time abroad. Sure, I could take care of myself and I thought I was pretty self-sufficient but living in a different country really pushed me to be even more independent. I learned how to navigate and understand a different language, how to use public transportation, and how to use German ovens/appliances. Though these things may seem small or insignificant, they were things that once intimidated me and limited me. Through each of these tasks and challenges, I have learned more about myself and the world around me. Being independent is no longer a scary thing, but instead, something that empowers me and pushes me to experience new things. 

Open-mindedness is something I thought I always had, however, being exposed to a new culture made me realize that I had a long way to go when it comes to truly being open. My time in Leipzig has made me more open to new foods, ideas, and people. Being in a country with different values, traditions, and daily routines wrecked what I knew about the world and pieced it back together again in a way that made me experience life more richly. I became more open to food such as traditional German cuisine of currywurst, bratwurst, and schnitzel. But more importantly, I became more open to people who are different from me. I learned new ways to view the world and how to experience God. 

Lastly, I learned how to love others better. I am so thankful for the community I found in Leipzig through ACU and the Germans I met in Leipzig. I learned how to be respectful of cultural differences and how to be patient with those around me. My community here taught me what it looks like to be there for others in times of need, how to celebrate each other, and how to walk in life and faith together. The love I felt from my community here in Leipzig has made me a better person and it has made this place feel like home. 

Leipzig has truly transformed and shaped me. I feel at home here and I know that I am a better person because of my time abroad. Heimat. A place that transformed me and helped me grow. I will always be thankful for this home I found in Leipzig and for the ways, I will continue to experience life more richly because of my time here. 

At Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. There is so much history here!