Over the past month or so, I have discovered a whole new world of people. People from all over the Earth, each with their own unique set of circumstances. Each person with a story to tell. Despite our different upbringings, our different politics, our different beliefs, and our different nationalities I believe that we have found a surprisingly massive amount of shared ground. This small part group of outbound exchange students going to one country, with a single organization, has shown an unbelievable sense of camaraderie and support amongst its members. Without even having met in person, it seems as though we all already know each other, we seem to innately have a grasp of each others problems. There is a certain subliminal understanding that we are all going through the same trials at the core, albeit in slightly varying forms. This network of like-minded individuals creates an atmosphere where we can be ourselves. It is this shared empathy that allows people to connect with one another. To really start to care for each other. This group of people is quite literally an insane family now, complete with all the requisite characters. Whether it is an emoji explosion or extended debate over charts, it seems as though we are almost always having fun.
This familial nature of the group gives you a great desire to meet everyone that you have been talking to for the past month. But it is when that hope is dashed that the most sadness comes. We have had two people that have been forced to drop out of the program in the last week because of circumstances outside their control.
To our crazy Latvian, I hope that things work themselves out in the end and you get to come to Germany with us and share in our experiences. And be careful with that dancing.
Update: I am glad that things worked out for you. See you in Germany!
To our lost Dominican, Do not fear of not being remembered. Although you will not be with us in body, you will be with us in spirit and never forgotten.
As one person pointed out today, this really is the wonder of time zones. No matter what time it is, there is always someone there to talk to.
This exchange has already given me so much before I've even stepped foot in Germany. I can only imagine what lies ahead.
