La Conquistadora Espanola (The Spanish Conquerorista)

Note from Chica Chan: I have been absent from the blog scene because I have limited Internet access. Have no fear though - I will keep on posting about my whereabouts. I wrote the below the first week I was in Spain but haven't had the chance to send until now! I will definitely write more later. Hope all is well with you.

After all the plotting, scheming, and organizing, I can finally say I am in Spain! The time after my Dominican Republic trip was bittersweet. I was prepared to go. In reality, I had to go – there was no turning back now. I had ‘closed’ my life in Chicago and made the preparations to live in Spain. The effort involved to ensure that I had a proper sendoff touched me to the deepest core. I had to fight the emotion from bubbling up. I did not succeed on two occasions.

The first was in the bathroom of my ‘See Ya Later’ party at Union Park. Sugarfox and Irim presented me with a card and a generous gift from my friends. I felt so blessed to have friends who cared enough to organize this party, coordinate friends, and contribute money to my gift. I was very moved by the generosity. The funny part is that as tears were rolling down my cheeks, I would wave my hand frantically in front of the motion-sensored paper towel dispenser to get more tissues.

The second was at the airport. My two lovely parents dropped me off at the airport. I always find it difficult to say good-bye to my parents, especially my mom. It was the hardest part of the process. I started bawling at the airport. Then waiting at the gate for my flight, I called some friends. At that moment, I felt really lonely and alone. The enormity of what I was about to do hit me like a ton of bricks. I was leaving behind everything I found safe and secure for this vast unknown. How frightening! My confidence and courage completely left me…What the hell was I doing?!

I somehow managed to get on the plane and sat numbly in my seat. On the way to Zurich, Switzerland, I sat next to this very nice Chicagoan who was heading to Denmark for a graduate program in journalism. It was encouraging to meet another Chicagoan in the same situation. We hung out during the 4-hour layover as we were fighting off our sleepiness. Then on my way to Barcelona, the last leg of the journey, I sat next to a Korean girl who was born and raised in Barcelona. What are the chances?! I took advantage and asked her where the best Korean restaurant and Asian grocery store was. She was so nice that she even helped me with my 5 bags!

I am always looking for hints of God’s presence in my life. I look back during these last 4 weeks and I see Him throughout. I am a blessed person ~ with the exception of that 1 hour at the gate, I have not felt alone. He has made sure of it.

Now, I am ready to take on..and conquer Spain.