Little Time; Big Impact

Nine days: I have been in this country for all of nine days. Yet, this experience has already begun to positively impact my life. I could type for days on each of the opportunities I have had and each of the individuals I have encountered. Nevertheless, there are a few that have created a giant impression in such little time.

Emily, Amy, and I on the flight to Frankfurt!

The very first impression of Bonn included one of the sweetest women with the biggest heart and even bigger personalities of anyone I've ever met. My host mother, Hilde, is one of the greatest joys I have encountered while abroad. She made me feel at home from the very first day and creates comfort in every way possible. She is a tremendous cook, and I have fell in love with her "Chai Lattes" that Amy and I have nearly every night. Hilde has made this experience beyond enjoyable, and I am unable to thank her enough for being my selfless and always smiling "Momma!"

As I began this program, I had a great deal of knowledge on the Holocaust and other events of World War II. While I came in open minded, I did not expect to learn many new facts and ideas. However, this was far from correct. My eyes have been opened to greater realities and different points of view for which I am forever grateful. During my free weekend in Amsterdam, I had the life changing opportunity to tour the Anne Frank House. The building was simply breathtaking. As I walked through the rooms of the small home, I reflected on how the families lived their every day lives in hiding. I stood in the very location where Anne would sneak away to bathe in the late evenings. I saw the pencil marks on the wall indicating the height of the Frank girls every so often. However, the part of the museum that impacted me the most was the section dedicated to memorializing those who helped the Franks while in hiding. These individuals who provided resources to the Jews had absolutely no reason for doing so other than the goodness in their hearts. While the Jewish individuals really had no choice but to be brave, those who offered help had full opportunity to turn a blind eye to the whole situation. The fact that they chose to help the individuals in hiding is something that inspires me greatly. It is the selflessness of individuals like Miep Gies, Victor Kugler, and the others that testifies to the goodness that lies within individuals and within the world as a whole.

Angelica, Becca, Emily, Amy, and I in Amsterdam Near One of the Many Canals.

These are just two of the tremendous experiences I have had in Europe thus far. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the House of History, the ELDE House, German Class with Susanne, getting to know everyone within this program, the Cologne Cathedral, along with each and every activity we have experienced. My views of this world are constantly being challenged and molded. I am greatly blessed to be part of this program and cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

Loudest and Proudest Members of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2016 on the top of the Cologne Cathedral.