Classes have continued to be in full swing, and it was just another week of lectures, projects, and whatnot. But what changed this time was that information was started to be leaked about the end-of-the-semester finals were going to be structured (dun dun dun). And when you start to hear the word "finals" you know what that signifies. :'(
My home for the last six weeks outside of AHA and my actual host family's house.
Second, my internships. This semester, I have been working regularly in two different internship opportunities: the first one is at the Artillery Academy of Segovia teaching English to military officials and having conversation hours with the military cadets, and the other teaching English at a local English school, Qudos. Well, the internship at Qudos has continued on. And so has the conversation hours with the cadets. However, this week was the last week of the classes I taught during the afternoon. And, let me just say, it was a mixed bag of feelings. Let me explain to you why.
I took this photo the last day I walked out of the military academy. It was surreal. After going there every day, it was weird to be done.
Since the semester began, I have been pretty busy working. For some in the program, they have had a lot less time in internship projects and a lot more time to relax, take in the sights, and ultimately just take a break from busy American life. But, for me, I feel like I have been just as busy. Now, don't get me wrong, everything I've been doing has been extremely beneficial for my personal experience and knowledge. But, the amount of time I've put into other commitments outside of just classes has been quite exhausting. Essentially, I bit off more than I could chew: two internships, conversation hours with the kids, an conversation exchange with the local language school...it's been crazy. But there was no turning back. The damage was done. And since my first week here, I haven't really had that much time to really just take in everything. I've had the weekends free from commitments, sure. But traveling has definitely been just as busy. I've loved every trip I've taken and the things that I've learned, but at the same time...those trips in themselves were also exhausting.
That's also came to an end. As of this past weekend, I'm officially not traveling anymore. And to be quite honest with you...I'm extremely happy about that. Every trip required a lot of planning, a lot of traveling logistics, a lot of walking, and a lot of money. Definitely glad that I won't have to deal with any more of that. And my wallet is also pretty happy about that! It will be nice having some free weekends to just...be. Here. In Segovia. Sweeeeeeeeeeeet! Three weeks to just live life in Segovia, spend free time relaxing in Segovia, and finally enjoy the place that I have called home since early January.
One afternoon late in the week I stopped to just take in all that was and is home for me this semester. More free time to do this? Woot for sure. :)
But why the mixed feelings about the military academy classes? Well, it goes back to my lack of free time. In all of the commitments, and the lack of rest I've been able to give myself from all of the commitments, I wasn't able to truly enjoy the experience in the way that I could have. And each week, my motivation got less and less (and so did my sleep!). And anyone you talk to will tell you that this is not what study abroad is supposed to be about. It's not supposed to be viewed as a checklist of commitments. It's meant to be seen as a semester of opportunities and new experiences. But for me, it was both. Each week, that motivation translated into less desire to plan, less desire to engage, less desire to want to go. It was a tough mental block I never would have thought myself to fall into, especially since I'm an education major. It made me doubt my decisions and my abilities. I felt like a lot of what I would plan would be poorly made or poorly executed. It was a frustrating time.
But the best part of all of this was, in fact, the end. But not because it came to a close. It was what happened as at came to a close. As I walked into the classroom for the last day of the class, I was greeted by all of the students before I even walked in. They asked me if I wanted to go and get a beer. I agreed. We go to the bar, have a drink, and ended up spending the time we would have in class just enjoying each other's company and chatting about life (partly in Spanish, partly in English). And they thanked me for the help I'd given them this semester.
Wait. Hold the phone. WHAT?
See, most of the time I taught the classes, and also another reason I dreaded going sometimes, was because I thought the students didn't like me. Or at least, not the way I taught the class. Hey, maybe they didn't, but still...I had my thoughts, and they weren't always positive. So, to hear them say thank you was extremely surprising. Those two little words overwhelmed to the point where I couldn't help but feel God's grace. Those doubts, those fears...they were all just lies. And it turns out, most of it was lies! So, what started as dread and doubt transformed to joy and thanksgiving almost in the blink of an eye. And even though the classes are done, I now can say that I have made some really good friends in these guys. It's been a pleasure to work with them.
The group of guys I got to work with this semester: David, Juan Carlos, Alvaro, and Jaime (don't forget the Spanish pronunciations!). There were two others, but these are the four that almost always came. Though the road was long and the journey difficult sometimes, it was a blessing to teach them things, but to also learn from them as well. Education is definitely a two-way street.
As I mentioned before, I am no longer leaving Segovia until that fateful day when I will return to the United States. However, that doesn't mean that there is still a ton to do here! The weekend following this first round of "ends" was actually a great opportunity to just hang out with the family. So, that's exactly what we did! And actually, for two straight days, they were the only people I saw. Friday, my host parents and I took a trip to the outskirts of the city to see one of the OTHER palaces here in Segovia: the Royal Palace of Riofrío. This palace, for those of you that don't know, was a palace constructed on, you guessed it, the Riofrío, and was made to be a hunting grounds for the kings and queens. Inside there is all kinds of memorabilia from the king that constructed the palace during the 17th century, Fernando VII, and there's also a hunting museum inside! All kinds of animals native to Spain were included and let me just say...that was the most intriguing experience for me. :) I couldn't take photos, so only the outside is depicted, but still...wow.
This is the main entrance to the palace. It was extremely pink. First palace I have ever seen with that much pink.
The other big thing that went down this weekend was the Civil Guard visiting Segovia. The civil guard essentially is the guard of the King, and all of this weekend they were in Segovia, first on friday night for a concert performed by their orchestra and also saturday for a procession of the entire group through the main streets of the city. And you can bet that my host parents and I were there! It was a great time, and a great way to spend the weekend. And after viewing it all, I can see just how proud Spain is of its military. It's one devoted nation to those that serve their nation. I suppose not just the United States is patriotic! ;)
The band was completely comprised of members of the guard, and they were all male: the orchestra, the drum line, and eventually the singers! They definitely had quite the group of musicians. Watching them in the cold cathedral was definitely worth it. :)
This was my best attempt at getting all of the members of the guard in one shot. The group comprised of the cavalry on horseback, the guard dogs, the soldiers, the motorcade, and the musicians.
Selfie moment with the cavalry, just because I can.
This was a memorial service done at the end of the procession to remember those that have fallen during the years. They placed a wreath on the stand, played a processional, and at the end shot off cannons to remember them. It was really great, and the cannons definitely mixed things up (and made a lot of young kids cry).
The Sun may be starting to set, but the night has not fallen just yet.
"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." -1 Peter 5:10
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