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huit- Maggie (con el pelo corto)

 I woke up on my third day in Spain super excited because I would finally be going to Toledo, where I would be taking classes and living for the next three and a half months! However, when I looked at the bus that I was about to ride to Toledo and met the directors of the school, I realized that I would have to make new friends here. As I was talking with the directors, I saw a group of people carrying suitcases and backpacks heading in our direction. They boarded the bus and then I realized that they were the other students! My director that I had been spending time with for the last few days said goodbye and my heart starting beating really fast.

 Everyone was talking amongst themselves and it seemed like they already knew each other. Why is it that I always seem to be the one who is alone? I had no idea where to sit. I said "Hola," to a girl and a boy sitting together. They introduced themselves and seemed nice, so I sat in front of them. The directors made some announcements and we made our way to Toledo. I said "Hola," to a girl on my right and introduced myself. She said her name is Maggie and we started talking about when we went to Costa Rica (I've been on a mission trip to Costa Rica and she went for a conference this last summer!), Harry Potter, and what we're looking forward to this semester. We talked the whole way to Toledo. I think we were the only ones not sleeping but having random conversations. Or maybe everyone else was listening to our conversations... I didn't care though, because I had made a friend already.

 Fast forward two months later and I am wearing a soft scarf my mama left me from when she visited, and a warm coat to beat the wind and cold. I climb the steps to the bus and find my friends already seated and some finding their seats by the window. I find Maggie in a cute hat by the window. I say "Hola," and ask if I can sit with her and she says that I can with excitement. I sit down and my roommate, Gleida, sits in front of us. We laugh about how Gleida and I woke up about forty minutes ago and freaked out, trying to get ready quickly. We talk about what we're looking forward to on this trip to San Lorenzo del Escorial. I am teaching her some French. Ha. That is weird. Why am I teaching her some words in French? That's a long story. Anyway, Maggie says, "This reminds me of the first day here when we rode this bus. I was just really confused and my mind was just not ready to speak completely in Spanish. It's kind of weird, but cool too. To see how much we've changed." Yeah, that is wild to think about. We met about two months ago in almost the situation. But, we definitely have changed a lot. And a lot has happened since then.

 I'm so thankful for Maggie and our friendship! It's been so fun and incredible exploring Spain and getting to know her! She is so kind and fun! I love it when we accidentally discover something really cool, like the exposition gallery or the miradero, just by exploring. We've also had some awesome conversations, like staying in the present to appreciate this opportunity more. God is so amazing! I had been so worried about having good friends, but he gave me a really good friend that I can depend on and laugh with!


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