Chapter 1: Warm Welcome

y heart has never thumped so fast; scared or excited for the day that is about to unfold, I do not know. Various thoughts are running through my head, all voicing the same thoughts: how would this day end? In rainbows and sunshine or in flames of chaos? These thoughts came to a halt as soon as we enter the door – the door that unlocked so many other doors – and heard everyone in the place singing our alma mater hymn. It felt like home.

Everybody was so friendly (albeit a bit shy) and was ready to welcome us with open arms. Despite the language barriers, we were able to converse and have fun with one another! We talked about many different things- from where we live and how it was like living there to our favorite food. It was fun to see the creativity that flowed from each person in our architecture design class and the grit as they rigorously solved each math equation in our calculus class. But the highlight of my day was the kindness that I experienced from everybody! The wave of energy that is beaming from everyone as they try to engage me in their conversations. What also left me in awe was when a classmate of ours, Karin, helped me to learn the basics of playing tennis, after our numerous failed attempts to play a game. She kept throwing the ball at me, waiting for me to finally hit the ball.

As the night eventually came and the stars rose, I realized that all my worries were for nothing. I found a home away from home, one that has accepted me with open arms – and I, for one, am planning on pulling these arms for an embrace for as long as I could.