From Snow to the Sunshine State
I have been home a week already and I am still in complete shock that I am back. The past three months feel like a complete dream. From the second I got off the plane I have been going nonstop back to the regular activities like nothing had changed, like I had not changed. My last European week started off very somber after waking up to the news of the tragedy in Paris. After being there two weeks before the attacks, I felt a certain closeness to the people of France that I do not think I would have felt if I was watching it all unfold from the States. I made the trip into the city to pay my respects at the French Embassy and the scene around it was beautiful. Less than 12 hours after we all woke up to the news, the city of Copenhagen bound together and showed the French people their support. Flowers and candles lined the street around the embassy leaving a beautiful and peaceful sight.
The weather did a sudden and drastic drop into winter which allowed the flu to make its way to me my last three days.. Thankfully I fought through the fever sweats and running nose to enjoy these last moments bundled up in the city. With winter looming around the corner, the Christmas markets and the spirit made it's way into the hearts of the Danish and this American. Obviously all the markets opened my last day there so I missed it...this year :)
Saying "see you later" to everyone I care about in Denmark was horrible. Pretty much 24 hours of crying and the flu made my homecoming miserable. I am in a reverse culture shock (mostly with the fact that there is heat and sunshine) and I am doing everything in my power to not talk about my trip when possible. I do not want to be that obnoxious person thats like "oh well in Europe" this and "in Denmark" that.
I have seen almost all my best friends this past week and have spent time with my family thanks to Thanksgiving (the reason I came home when I did). It has been great catching up with everyone and getting back into my usual routine but with a fresh outlook on life.
I will be going back to Denmark, when is the only question about that. I am still physically and digitally not adjusted to the time change at all. I stay up as late as possible in hopes of sleeping in but I usually wake up at 5:30 EST and 11:30 Denmark time. I think six hours ahead to stay in contact with everyone there and honestly I would be going insane if iMessage and FaceTime did not exist. It really breaks my heart knowing the kids are not really understanding that I will not be home when they get home or there when they wake up. It breaks my heart even more knowing that a day is coming soon when they will stop asking if I am there.
So until my next adventure to Israel (in two weeks) I will be distracted by unpacking, finishing the house and getting my life back on track.
Until then...
XO J