Vi Ses København!

Today is the day that I must leave Copenhagen. I have racked my brain for weeks trying to think of an adequate summary, a perfect end to my experiences over the last year. Since I have fallen in love with Danmark, and love the life I have here, it is hard to simply bid it Farewell. Instead the message I will send is see you later, for I know I will not be able to long stay away from the city and nation that I love.

My experience in Danmark has been incredible, from Ole & Birgitte – my marvelous Danish family, to my various adventures, and all the friends I have made along the way. For every excitement and every moment I am extremely grateful. Danmark really is a fairytale land, at least in my fairytale. With such a rich culture, history, and amazing people, it would have been hard not to grow attached to this place. And yet I must go, back to reality, at least until I come again.

Everyone has been asking me what the best part of my experience was. That, for me, is an easy question. Being a part of the Svenningsen family has been priceless, spectacular and truly irreplaceable. I consider myself extremely lucky that I was paired up with Ole & Birgitte. The hardest part about leaving is that I will not be able to see them every day; exchanging bits of sarcasm with Ole and talking about life with Birgitte. But family is family, and that will not change despite my return to the United States.

The other question which has been asked of me is what I have learned during my time abroad. That is a more difficult question, which required quite a bit of thought before I found my answer. Balance. Not necessarily on a bicycle, but in life. One needs a balance of work, family, friends, and adventures. It is only in this way that true contentment can be found. I was stirred by the women in Kosovo to a point where I now better understand just how precious life can be. That one must make the most out of every moment. The Danes I have gotten to know and love have showed me that true balance can be achieved in life. That life is about more than fancy titles, and high stress careers. It is also about the ability to sit and just be, or to spend hours at the dinner table with those you care about.

It will feel strange going back to the United States. I will feel somewhat adrift in the stream of people going about their usual routines. I know that I will probably never been a true part of the stream again, but I am okey with that. My experiences are what has made and will make me who I am. I believe that I am stronger for every experience.

So with a breaking of my heart I must board this plane that takes me away. To Copenhagen, Ole & Birgitte and all my friends – Thank you for the Amazing year and I Will see you soon!

With my Love for Forever And Always,

Natasha Marie