The day I arrived to Edinburgh was full of mixed emotions. I was completely excited to finally just be there and not in Chicago. I was terrified because it was all new and still is. And I was intimidated because I was only just starting my life here. As these past 4 days have gone by, so much has happened. On that first day I met a lot of people and visited my placement and finally went to the flat where I would be living for the next 10 months or so. I was exhausted from the plane ride and culture overload and I basically passed out quite early.
On the second day, I was picked up outside my flat by my supervisor and we walked together to work. I live about 15 minutes or so from my placement. I was incredibly nervous as one always is when starting a new job. Throughout the day I heard so many names, shook so many hands, and read so many documents. My brain was on information overload and still is, quite honestly. As I went through the day asking questions and shadowing many people, I got to spend some time with the staff. The staff where I work is incredible and that is only becoming more apparent as I spend more time there. What a hilarious and fun-loving bunch who are filled with compassion, love, and hope. They each bring a deep faith in Christ and it is so apparent, after just 3 days there, how I am surrounded by people who have and will continue to make me feel welcome and part of a new family.
On my second day at work and third day in the country, a couple fellow staff members invited to do something in the evening if I wasn't busy. Naturally, I wasn't busy because I don't know anyone or anything here, really. And though I was nervous, I said yes. As I walked home from work, a woman stopped me and asked for directions somewhere and it was somewhere I had been and knew how to get to! So I helped her along with someone else to get to where she needed. Turns out she had also just moved to Edinburgh. And for the first time, I felt as though I wasn't the only new person in the city and it was quite comforting.
As the evening went on, the two of my co-workers showed me around Edinburgh some and we ended up at a pub where we sat and got to know each other outside of work. It was the most normal I've felt since leaving home. The topic of conversation ranged from things about our families to politics to work and I felt like I belonged. We laughed together and they let me ask my silly "American questions" without judgement (For the record, 'posh' is used to reference things other than a certain Spice Girl). These two were a God send. See, I am an extrovert to a T, though, I do need introverted times. If I had just gone home to my flat every night and sat there I may miss people more than I do (which is a lot) and may be more homesick, but thanks to my fellow co-workers I feel as though I've begun to make friends. And this evening, they invited me to do the same sort of thing. I and another co-worker walked around the city, ate great food, and continued to get to know one another. We hiked up to a place called Radical Road. And let me tell you, it gives a wonderful view of the city and it gorgeously green and a great walk.
Radical Road
(I plan on getting a picture of my own later, but this will have to do for now)
Again, I felt normal. Like I was sort of hiking like I do in the mountains. LOVE it. It sure is nice having hills here.
(From my camera. On Radical Road with the view of the city)
So in the midst of a whole lot of newness, I feel as though I've found moments and people to help me feel normal and like I belong. I feel as though this is where I'm meant to be at this season in my life. Every day, I walk home from work and cannot help but smile. What an incredible place to be. I am definitely excited to do more exploring and getting to know the city. And tomorrow is only day 5! Let the journey continue!
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment