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The wheels on the bike go round and round // biking is going to be our main mode of transportation this semester. Maybe I should log my distance? #katiespiceurope #thenetherlands #studyabroad via Instagram http://ift.tt/1ZBxcz4

katie_argo

1 week into my #studyabroad and tea has become a bigger part of my life #Netherlands #katiespiceurope

— Katie Argo (@katie_argo) January 14, 2016

from Twitter https://twitter.com/katie_argo

January 14, 2016 at 02:04PM
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katie_argo

Won over Elle the cat in 5 days! #winning #livingthelife #katiespiceurope

Won over Elle the cat in 5 days! #winning #livingthelife #katiespiceurope

— Katie Argo (@katie_argo) January 13, 2016

from Twitter https://twitter.com/katie_argo

January 13, 2016 at 10:11AM
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katie_argo

One strange thing about studying 7 times zones away is that I finish my day when others just start there's. #katiespiceurope #studyabroad

— Katie Argo (@katie_argo) January 12, 2016

from Twitter https://twitter.com/katie_argo

January 12, 2016 at 01:15PM
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Wat // What // Qué

There are many things that are different from home, not bad ... just different.  Language for one. It is hard enough being 7 time zones away from your family, and then on top of that having a language barrier!!  Here are the thoughts that ramble through my brain.

My host family consists of Esther (the mom), Wietse (the dad), Yoran (the oldest brother), Aniek (the oldest sister), Romijn (the middle sister), and Maroes (the youngest sister). They have been wonderful and very welcoming. They are patient with me and I am with them. Because English is not the family's first language, finding a word is sometimes difficult. I am grateful that they try and communicate in English. And when they do speak Dutch, Esther or Wietse translate for me. For the kids, speaking in English is harder because for some they are just starting to learn English in the school. When they do speak in my native tongue, I am impressed and thankful for a little piece of ... well, peace, knowing that we can communicate. I want to jump for joy when they speak in English.

Despite, this small connection, there are times when I feel completely and utterly lost. When the whole family is at the eating table, everyone is excited and they love to talk. Church was all in Dutch. Random strangers walk up to me and start talking Dutch, asking directions. I feel frustrated that I don't know the language.  I have to focus twice as hard to try and pick up on other non verbal cues to know where the conversation is going.

However, during the 6 days I have been in the Netherlands, I have picked up several words. My peers say the same.  I am amazed at what our brains are capable of. My host family is a huge help (and so is Google translate). I learned numbers by playing games with my host sisters: Een, twee, drie, vier, vijf. They taught me the Dutch alphabet while drawing pictures. I am also working on reading Dutch (even if I can't understand it yet) by reading children's books and reading everything in sight. The family says I am doing "goed." Dank u wel! But, its so hard and I often feel inadequate like I am butchering their language. If at first you don't succeed try again! I keep trying because I want to communicate in their native tongue to show my appreciation for their hospitality. It seems early to be thanking them for their hospitality, but the first few days are critical - the adjustment period - so I guess its not premature. Pretty soon, I hope to jump for joy when I learn more Dutch!

Lord God Almighty, Thank you for your protection and guidance. Thank you for creating each one of us unique and in your image. Thank you for language and the means to communicate. May your name be praised by every tongue and nation.  Amen  //  Revelation 7:9

#katiespiceurope
#languagebarriers

katie_argo

Best way to learn Dutch... Read children's books with your host family as teachers. #katiespiceurope

— Katie Argo (@katie_argo) January 9, 2016

from Twitter https://twitter.com/katie_argo

January 09, 2016 at 01:03PM
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3 - 2 - 1 Take Off!

Nigeria 2011

“Oh the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

And, we're off! As this post publishes I am most likely over the Atlantic ocean trying to catch some zzz's. I'm ready for a wonderful adventure to travel, learn, explore. Several have already said "you'll learn more about yourself and the country you are from when you travel." Saint Augustine is quoted saying, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." I want to read as many pages as I can, I will never stop reading. Eventually, I'll have to read second hand through my kids, but I will always hunger for more of this book!

 

Nigeria 2011

This isn't my first trip over seas. I went to Nigeria in 2011 on a medical mission trip, so I am familiar with going through customs, passport security, and navigating different airports. Despite this experience, I am still anxious. I am anxious to see if anything has changed and if I remember things correctly. I am anxious to get on with this adventure and fill my brain with a new pages of the world book!

Mark Twain states, "Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one's lifetime."

James Michener states "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home."

I don't want to stay at home, that is why I chose to go on SPICE. Lord, open my eyes to see your people and to explore your creation so I may grow closer to you in your Kingdom here on earth. Here's to my journey where I aim not to be afraid of the unknown, but I aim to embrace the differences.

"Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,  

Healthy, free, the world before me,  

The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose." 

-- Walt Whitman

#AdventureTime
#katiespiceurope