Something that I did not expect to happen during exchange- making a trip back home.
The reason I went back, that many people are wondering, was to visit my grandma. She has been very sick, so it was important that I went back to be with her.
We spent a lot of valuable time together, and I'm very thankful for that. Those memories are something that I cherish greatly and will always carry with me.
I am incredibly thankful that Rotary allowed for me the opportunity to return back to the US, but I will tell you, it was a process. With my student visa here in Peru, I am not allowed to leave the country without a parental authorization. So my parents had to go to Chicago to do their part, and then my host parents and I had to go to Central Lima to do our part. A lot of very not fun legal stuff. It took a whole day for my parents to get everything processed there, and it took me an entire day to get my things authorized and whatnot once it had been sent to Peru. It was quite stressful, and a few times seemed as though I wouldn't be able to make it back. Even when I was in the airport leaving, they almost didn't let me leave. Although, getting back in was not a problem when I came back, thank goodness.
I won't lie, leaving Peru was a difficult thing to do not only from a legal standpoint, but emotionally for me. I have been incredibly blessed throughout my exchange in the sense that I have not felt homesick and adjusted here very well. Being at what I would consider was the peak of my exchange, I wasn't mentally prepared to go back to the US. And it was weird. When I arrived in Fort Wayne, all I could do was cry. I would describe it as my mom did, which was a reverse culture shock. I went straight to my Grandma's house from the airport, and I quickly adjusted back once I was with her.
As I said before, I had a great week with my grandma and we spent a lot of valuable time together. I also made a few social outings. I went to my Rotary Club's annual Christmas party, which was so much fun for me and I'm very glad I could go. I got to present some things that I had received from my host club here in Peru.
I also went to a choir concert, where I surprised many of my friends with my presence. I will tell you, that was a lot of fun when I just casually walked by and then watch everyone take a double take, wondering how I could possibly be there.
Other than that, I stayed close with my family. And it was nice. I did end up having to spend the last portion of my visit in the hospital with my grandma. Which I also greatly cherish.
I was accompanied at the airport by those most important to me. Just like it was hard having to leave Peru, it was hard for me to leave the US again. My dad also flew to Dallas with me. I had a 6 hour layover, so he kept me company just to keep me sane for that period of time. I had a great time with my dad in the airport, and I'm very glad he came with me and was able to be there to send me off again.
Once I arrived back in Lima the next morning, I had to readjust AGAIN. I surprisingly didn't forget very much Spanish, which was a relief.
And once I got back I had to put myself right back in the swing of things.
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