Today I had a day where I broke down in tears and just cried. However, unlike my recent homesick post I was crying because I was overwhelmed with how completely lucky I am.
Tears of joy is not something I experience often. Maybe occasionally at Disneyland fireworks, or alone at camp, maybe even a few shed when I saw the Matterhorn last month, but not like this. I just cannot get over what a wonderful opportunity I have been given. It is perfectly cliche to say that this once in a lifetime experience will change me forever and whatnot, but it is so so true.
I walk around outside and everything is covered with snow and decorations. The candles everywhere and just the spirit of the people feels like the holiday season. Instead of the stress and frustration that comes with Christmas imagine that moment right before you sing silent night at the candle light service on Christmas Eve, that is what it feels like all the time. The commercialism is still there, but because the holidays are not competing with religion it is enjoyed instead of criticized. I have yet to see any decorations that I look at and think are tacky, it feels like I am living in a story book.
The only criticisms I have heard about Denmark during Christmas time is that it is not religious enough. Probably because the culture is new to me, but I feel like Jul here has me reflecting a lot more about my faith. Despite the lack of manger scenes, I spend a lot more time thinking about how blessed I am. I spend more time enjoying my friends, and wishing that my family was here to enjoy it with me. I am not doing a very good job at articulating what I want to say right now, but Denmark at Christmas time feels like church on Christmas Eve without the need to impress all the friends you haven't seen for a year. It is full of community, soft lighting, meaningful conversations, and an overall sense of joy.
Tomorrow is my last day at practicum. We are supposed to have a snow storm. It is cool because it means that we will get to go sledding!... but, a snow storm? I am not sure how I feel about that. Copenhagen's fabulous transportation services definitely are lacking in the snow, it is taking people hours to get into the city from the suburbs for classes.
I bought tickets for my tavels over my winter break. I get back the day before classes start in January, 3 weeks in France and Italy. New Years in Paris with Grace. I am very excited.
Time to make dinner and light my advent candle. I was hoping that my family would get the advent candle that I bought them by today, but considering I still have not mailed the package that will not be happening. Sometimes I feel like a failure because I make all these big elaborate plans to send things to the states, but I still have postcards I have not mailed from my birthday at Tivoli. I am only human, and even if I bring everything home in a suitcase they will get their mail eventually.
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