It has almost been a week since we arrived in Bodrogkeresztúr and over a week since landing in Hungary all together. It has been quite the roller coaster of emotions, but I wouldn’t ask for it any other way.

All of the emotions have been felt: excited, homesick, anxious, loved, happy, frustrated, and everything in between. We finished our first week of language learning today and I am surprisingly feeling good about the learning process as a whole and excited for the practice and socialization opportunities that are to come. I went on a bike ride with a fellow YAGM a few days ago to Tokaj which is about a 4 mile ride to and from. We stopped for ice cream and even found a beach to jump in the water and I couldn’t have asked for a more refreshing day. The clean air, cool water, and breathtaking views here are truly unbelievable. Another day, I spent the evening walking through the wine country with a few friends.

Today I learned that I will be living with a host family on the “Buda” side of Budapest that will likely be near some great spots to hike or be outside in general which seems nearly perfect for who I am and how I like to recharge my batteries. Living with a host family actually came as a big surprise to me, but I’m looking forward to the experience. There are not many host families available within this area so I feel blessed.

As far as emotions are concerned, I feel as though I am finally falling into place. Not gracefully finding my place or creating a place of my own, but actually falling, hitting my head along the way, into this place of love, faith, and community. Disconnect has been a real thing I had been struggling with. I felt as though my introvert-ness did not fit with the extravert-ness of this group. But wow, was I wrong. I am glad I said YES. Yes to the journey. Yes to this loving group of individuals. Yes to this community that I am eager to meet and I think are eager to meet me. The space for conversation and relationship have truly given me the opportunity to let my negative feelings float away and begin to be a happier, more authentic me. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store.