What were you grateful for this week?This opportunity. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?Traveling a foreign country completely solo. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I got back from my trip on Saturday. The following day a friend of mine (a local Roman) invited me to the flea market! It was an insight that I wouldn’t have experienced had she not invited me!

Tell us about your week! My host family went out of town this passing week and gave me the time off. When they had originally told me I had no idea what’d I do or where I’d go. I’ve always wanted to travel somewhere by myself, I felt like it would be a deep intimate experience. Looking into flights, I landed on Amsterdam. My week In Amsterdam was beyond words. It was the medicine my soul needed. Coming back I am still reflecting on this journey. I was deeply moved by each museum and Art exhibit I visited. My heart felt so heavy making my way through the Anne Frank House, putting the words I’ve read into a physical visualization. Listening to Vincent Van Gogh’s story whilst exploring his art work was deeply moving. Walking through Ons’ Lieve Heer op Mueseum and learning about Netherland’s religiously oppressive history gave me a new sense of gratitude. My deepest moment of clarity and awe was at Hortus Botancus (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world). I was advised not to go due to the season and not all plants would be in bloom. But I’m glad that I went because it was so amazing to be surrounded by so many beautiful plants from around the world. I spent hours wandering around the green house gardens. And the cafe….wow!!! It was so maginificant inside, quietly observing the locals sit down and have intimate conversations or quietly reading to themselves. In short, I feel grateful for this opportunity to be able to travel and learn about the history of each country while experiencing their current culture. This has allowed me to deeper learn and explore myself.