October 1, 2025
Abundantly More
Saludos,
I have officially been living one month in the most surreal, exciting, and rewarding dream. I am happy to say I am settling in well and things are falling into place. School has picked up, exams have started, and I am putting all my energy into learning and understanding. If this first month has taught me anything, it is that growth does not come from standing still.
In just a short amount of time, I’ve begun to see how transformative this journey truly is. I know the lessons I’m learning here will stay with me long after I return. What has surprised me most is how quickly Spain has started to shape me. I notice myself becoming more independent and confident. I have learned what it means to live for myself by adjusting to new school routines, navigating new streets, and communicating in a foreign language. Moving abroad and immersing myself in an unfamiliar culture has been altogether gratifying and terrifying. I’ve stepped into unfamiliar situations, learned to listen carefully, and to embrace differences instead of resisting them. It isn’t always easy. There are moments of homesickness and times when I wish I could express myself more clearly, but those moments are the very ones teaching me resilience.
School has been one of the most rewarding challenges. It is not just about learning in another language; rather, it is about adapting to a whole new academic system. The subjects are different, such as Philosophy and Valencian. Also, teachers explain things differently, and sometimes I need to concentrate extra hard to follow along. Instead of letting that discourage me, I have found ways to stay on top of things. Often, I find myself translating notes in my head while others talk. It takes effort, but every small step feels like progress, and it motivates me to keep going.
After school, my days are lively. I might be going to volleyball practice, going on a walk with friends, hanging out at a café, or making weekend plans. My class went on a mountain excursion, which was beautiful and had the best views of my city. My host family has taken me many places too, and I love learning about their routines and hobbies. They enjoy riding horses, and joining them while looking out at the mountain views feels like something out of a dream. I'm so thankful that they have taken me to see so many beautiful places. The weather is starting to feel like fall here. It’s colder than what I’m used to, mostly because the air is dry without the usual humidity. The chill feels sharper but also refreshing. Even so, the beaches nearby are still warm, so I’ve been making the most of it, soaking up the sun and every bit of beach and pool time while the season allows. Did I mention how much I love the beaches here?
Over this past month, I have grown close with one of the other inbounds named Mathilda. She is from Germany and lives in the same city I live in Spain. We go to neighboring schools, but we both do volleyball. After school, we often spend time together. I am so thankful to have a friend who is experiencing the same journey. We have shared many firsts in this city; such as, exploring the streets, shopping for new clothes, and even trying horchata for the first time. I feel so blessed to have someone by my side during all of it.
At the same time, I have really enjoyed making Spanish friends. My town is big enough to always offer something new, but small enough that I constantly run into familiar faces on the street. These chance encounters often turn into extended conversations, quick photos, or spontaneous hangouts. One of the coolest gathering spots is Plaza Dinis. On weekends, it is full of people and beautifully lit. My school friends invited me there one weekend, and from the very beginning, they made me feel incredibly welcome. I have been deeply impressed with how open and genuine everyone has been. Here, the streets are clean, well-lit, and full of people enjoying life: families strolling, children playing, friends laughing, and older couples chatting on benches. It is a place that encourages community, and it makes me appreciate the culture even more.
Fashion is one of my favorite culture shocks I have experienced. In Spain, people put more thought into how they dress, even just to go to school or run errands. Back home, it is common to see sweatpants, leggings, or oversized hoodies and t-shirts, and on some occasions, pajamas or bedroom shoes in the Dollar General. Here, casual still means stylish. My classmates wear cute jeans, blouses, sneakers or sandals, and always accessorize. I have seen very little leggings, ripped jeans, crop tops or athletic clothing outside of sports. The Spanish style has quickly become my favorite. Their style is classy, elegant, and well- structured.
One thing I have committed to this year is saying yes. Whether it is an invite from my friends to grab a coffee, a chance to try a new sport, or a family outing to a festival, I go. No matter how tired I may feel, every “yes” has led to laughter, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. Saying yes makes me feel connected and alive in this adventure. I have also learned to be bold and intentional in my actions, and that has led to many special relationships and connections. This place is starting to feel a little less like a destination and a little more like home.
Of course, learning Spanish is a huge part of my experience. Beyond conversations with locals, I like to learn through reading books, watching vlogs and videos in Spanish, and even keeping a running list of new vocabulary I hear every day. In my free moments, I find myself in a book or watching youtube videos in Spanish. Little by little, I see progress. I understand more phrases, and speaking no longer feels intimidating. People here are patient, kind, and genuinely excited to talk with me. Of course, there are moments when I do not understand everything, like at a Rotary meeting where someone spoke Valencian (this happens often because Valencian is the regional language here), or in French class when my professor is speaking French; but, instead of feeling discouraged, I see those challenges as opportunities to grow. These experiences alone have stretched me in more ways than I ever thought were possible.
I have also adjusted to eating more often throughout the day, and I am getting used to the structure of the five meals: breakfast at home, the mid-morning almuerzo (usually a bocadillo at school), the big family lunch, a mid-afternoon merienda , and finally, the late dinner. Each meal feels like a chance to pause, connect, and enjoy being present with people I care about.
The season of life I am in requires independence and flexibility but I am learning that those things also bring confidence and joy. Growing up in a rural town taught me to be resourceful and to create opportunities for myself, and I see those lessons helping me every day. Recently, I was reminded of the song “Jireh”, by Maverick City. Jireh is a Hebrew word that means “abundance” or “the Lord will provide”. The lyric that has been echoing in my heart this first month abroad says, “I will be content in every circumstance.” It reminds me that contentment is not about everything going perfectly or feeling completely comfortable, but about finding peace in the present moment. It reminds me that the presence of the Lord is steady and faithful and He does abundantly more than we could ask or imagine. When I struggle to follow conversations in class, or when I feel stretched thin by new obstacles, I come back to that phrase. It shifts my perspective from what I lack to what I’ve been given— the chance to grow, to learn, and to be surrounded by people who care about me here.
I miss my friends and family back home, but my heart is full with love that spans across the ocean. I’m forever grateful to Rotary International. This program pushes students to adapt, stay flexible, and embrace differences. It is not always simple, but it is beautiful. This experience is shaping me in ways I will carry for the rest of my life. I am in Spain, I am surrounded by loving people, beautiful views, and superb education; there is nothing more I could ask for.
Hasta la proxima vez (Until next time)