Sometimes, with respect to my exchange year, I imagine that it's only the big things that I'll miss- the trips, the parties, the holidays, etc. These experiences are memorable, and I know I will always carry them with me. But then, I experience these little moments of joy, little things that may go unnoticed to another person, rather unremarkable things, but moments that stay with me forever.
For example, today I was helping my host family make lunch- the most important meal of the day here in Colombia- and I couldn't help but feel complete, content. The smell of thanksgiving as the food cooked, the feel of the cool water over my hands as I washed the dishes, the banter of my host parents as they chopped vegetables- all little, unremarkable things, and yet all things that came together to create a remarkable moment: a moment of pure togetherness, a moment of mundane daily tasks that bring a family together and create that warm, fuzzy feeling of belonging. Moments like these, when I know for sure that I am a part of this family, that I belong here- these are the moments that will stay with me forever, more so than the grand trips, parties, or otherwise remarkable events.
Exchange has taught me that life, and this year, isn't about the number of places I visit, or the number of people I meet; it's not about how many photos I took or with whom I took them. It's about those little, joyful moments, those moments when I don't want to be anywhere else, or doing anything else, those moments when I feel that I belong, that I am home. Learning to see and appreciate these small moments has taught me to appreciate my exchange for what it is, and not what I think it should be, it has taught me to open my eyes and see all the love that surrounds me.
I could not be more grateful for these little, joyful moments. These moments are what make up a lifetime and have been the most wonderful parts of my exchange. I know that when I return home, and think back to what I miss most on exchange, it will certainly be these moments that come to mind.
I challenge all of you, exchange students or otherwise, to look for these little moments in your life. Sometimes they come unexpectedly, hiding in the corners of mundane daily tasks, waiting for you to slow down and see them. Sometimes, they jump out at you and are impossible to ignore. Whatever the case, these little moments of joy are important, and deserve to be seen. So, take a little time, turn off your phone, and just be. What you see might surprise you- it certainly did for me.
A little joyful moment: watching the sunrise before school:
