On the 17th of August I stepped foot on my flight to Zimbabwe, it took three flights and over 24 hours of travel time but I made it to Harare. Before I left I had to say my goodbyes which I never imagined would be so hard. It was emotional because it finally had become my reality that I would be leaving my friends, family and even the person I am behind for a year. I waited with my mom in the airport for them to begin to board my plane. As my flight boarded the Anxiety of it all began to build and I started to get more scared. I walked onto the plane and sat down and put my luggage away. As the plane took off it was a feeling of relief. As we left the ground the stress of it all went away because it was replaced with a feeling of independence. It then came to my awareness that I was on my own, for me this was not a bad thing. It helped me realize that the outcome of my year was up to me. I was now on my own journey that didn't rely on my family or friends but instead my own actions. I made it to all of my connecting flights with waves of emotions from stress to excitement as I dealt with minor issues including not being able to understand the announcements, have my gate change four times for one flight and not having the right paperwork. However, I made it to my last flight, they brought be traditional Zimbabwean food on the plane and after only a short 2 hour flight I landed safely, I figured out my bags and visa and I walked into the waiting room where I was greeted my loving host family and my YEO. It was late at night so we said our hellos but then headed to my new home. I family was so welcoming and we had a cup of tea then went to bed, The first few days of exchange it really became real to me what was happening. These days were hard for me because I started to think about how this year will change me forever. This idea scared me a lot and it still does but as time has continued I have been able to get out of my head and enjoy the beautiful place which would be my new home. Over the past two weeks I have been introduced to many amazing people, foods and places. We have lunch and dinner together as a family where we eat more traditional Zimbabwean food which includes Sadza, lots of Sadza, we also have take out pizza as well. I got to finally meet the other exchange students who will be here ( there are only 3) we went to go to a bird park at a lake called Chivero where we got to see all of the bird of Zimbabwe. It was great to meet these girls and spend the time together, I was able to meet some girls for coffee was an experience for me because my phone didn't work yet so I ended up waiting alone in a cafe for 2 hours cause I wasn't aware they had gotten lost on their way but I was able to get food for my self and spend time thinking about what my concerns and excitements were for my year. Overall these two weeks have been a lot of thought processing for me, I've learned to recognize when I am feeling homesick and what I need to do to help that go away. Zimbabwe is an absolutely beautiful country and I can't wait to explore the different parts of it!
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ELLA BROWNA Year abroad in Harare, Zimbabwe ArchivesDatesAugust 14th - September 17th
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