I can tell I have been here for a month in many different ways. I had to replace my monthly bus pass for the first time. I can actually get home from work without having to use Google Maps. And I had to come to the harsh realization that tennis shoes might not go with my outfit, but they are warm, comfortable, and practical. Many small things are showing me that I am actually starting to settle in. Homesickness is not longer at the forefront of my mind and I am falling into new habits.

Something that has taken me by surprise is the overwhelming hospitality from strangers that I have experienced. Earlier this month, my mentor from Fasori Evangélikus Gimnázium (the school I volunteer at), Orsi, invited me over to her home for lunch with her family and then a tour of the Buda Castle and the castle district. That same day, a student of mine also wanted to have me over for lunch and I sadly had to say no due to already being booked. Both of these people have just met me and are already welcoming me into their homes.

I spent the last week at a Study Session titled Volunteering as a Tool for Roma Youth Participation. The seminar was held here in Budapest but welcomed people from all different countries. I made such great friends within this one week. We talked, laughed, cried, danced, and even sang old church tunes that we had in common from our childhood (think Wade in the Water). Most importantly, we talked through tough topics regarding human rights, intersectionality, discrimination, and diversity. We shared experiences and observances. We agreed and disagreed. We learned SO MUCH. Something that was also very cool was that I got to lead a session on Social Media Strategy and had to dig into the caverns of my memory for information I learned during college. “The crowd went wild!” So many people gave such positive feedback from the session and expressed that they learned very useful information that they can add to their organization and lifestyles. WOW. I never imagined all this could happen within one month, and especially in a setting that is very new to me.

The open arms that have welcomed me and continue to surprise me are something I am very grateful for. There are so many other stories from this month that I could share, but I am also still allowing everything to soak in. I have to remind myself that my time here is limited and to experience things as they come.