Referring to my last post regarding my summer plans, I mentioned that if things went well, I would be getting on a plane in 9 days to start my job as an au pair. But things didn’t go well. The European Union put a ban on travelers from countries where COVID-19 was still a big threat; the U.S. being at the top of that list.
So now it’s 9 days later and I will not be getting on a plane today. I will not spend a month in Spain living with the family I have been getting to know since October.
I have been trying to convince myself that this change in plans is not that bad and that there are some positives. I am able to spend more time with close friends before they start their full time careers. I can spend time up at the lake with my family. I don’t have a job anymore (this sounds like a negative) but for me being a workaholic, this is a great time for me to enjoy the summer and relax.
However, this is something that I have been looking forward to for months. I realize I am very fortunate. I can’t go to Spain during a pandemic? Boohoo Jess. There are millions of people out there who have MUCH bigger problems during this time. And I recognize that.
What I do believe though, is that my feelings are valid. Of course I’m bummed. I would like to think that the positives I listed and for my safety, this change hasn’t really affected me. But it has. Within this past week, I have been EXTREMELY moody and irrational with my parents (sorry mom). I have constant thoughts about what I would have been doing if I was in Spain instead of at home. I had to unpack my suitcase that I was starting to pack, INCLUDING the gifts I had recently bought the little girls. I now have to find new ways to practice my Spanish instead talking to a local in a coffee shop. So ya, I’m bummed to say the least.
BUT, I have to mention that I am blessed to have such an amazing experience with my host family. My family in Spain has already offered me a spot in their home as soon as I can get there. Whether it’s immediately after student teaching, or next summer, I will have my job as an au pair. “This is your Spanish home” and “we will wait for you” texts from my host mom, of course followed by multiple smiley and heart emojis, sounds VERY promising to me. And I look forward for my time to come when I can call Zaragoza home.
jessz journeys 