"I told you so."

Before I left I was repeatedly told by everyone how much I would change and how much I'd learn from a year away from my culture, language, family and home.  Here are a few things I've learned, significant and insignificant...

~I've learned another language and with that how profoundly language influences our relationships but at the same time how it is still possible to surpass language barriers in so many ways.  Dancing is the same in every language, Jesus is the same in every language, and people and their feelings are the same as well.

~I've learned to be less materialistic.  I have an entire closet full of clothes at home that I haven't seen in a year, yet I've had absolutely no need for them.  I haven't bought "stuff" this year because of the lack of means to get it home.  I have made do without a kitchen stocked full of the finest cooking utensils.  Even those of us who "aren't materialistic" to the U.S. standards have room to grow here.

~I've learned how to be myself instead of always "the girls" or "Victoria and Caroline."  This change has been long and coming since we began school at separate universities, but I feel like it really solidified this year.  I don't always enjoy the separation, but I've always wondered how I would be able to live without her.  I suppose we can do almost anything when life makes us.

~I've learned to toughen up, get thicker skin, and let it go.  Sarcasm and little jabs that people intentionally or unintentionally throw out, whether it be about past-times, eating, looks, studying, upbringing or other things, can sting, but there are usually bigger issues to worry about.  Dwelling on it will only hurt you.  They have already forgotten what they said.

~I've learned how to dive in 100% and just live. A lifetime of moving has already put me a step in the right direction, but I have continued to learn how to live in the present.  It is so easy to keep from investing in people, places and lifestyles because we know that it is only temporary.  It is also easy to look back at the past and long for things that were meant for a different season of life.

~I have learned how to light a stove and oven with a cigarette lighter without getting burned.
~I have learned how to pack for three weeks in a tiny duffel bag that is just bigger than a school backpack.
~I have learned how to "go out" - meaning go out to bars and go out dancing.
~I have learned to like wine.
~I have learned to be less freaked out about money.
~I have learned how to fly by the seat of my pants in traveling and in everyday life.