The Worst Part

Going on exchange and living abroad have been some of the biggest life-changing decisions I've made in my life. My experiences there have impacted me in so many ways. While each trip was amazing and I am truly appreciative of the opportunities I've had, it seems important to mention there is a downside.

Germany has become like a second home to me. I'm just as comfortable there as I am here. Knowing my place in the world just isn't as simple as it used to be. I'm kind of stuck in the middle. In a perfect world, I would take all the parts of each country that makes them "home", and piece them together to form whole new land. Everything I could ever miss would be there. However, the world isn't perfect.

The things I miss most aren't really things, to be honest. What makes me long to be in the other country, regardless of where I am, are people. Family, friends, and everyone in between. There are people in both countries whom I love dearly, and want in my life. But, I could never ask them - any of them - to uproot and follow me. That would be selfish. Deciding between the two, picking one over the other, sounds way too hard. I don't want to have to make that choice. And so, I will forever have to travel back and forth, never truly being able to settle down anywhere.

And that, my friends, is the worst part about living abroad. You run the risk of falling in love with the place, the people, the culture, the lifestyle. You may no longer know where you belong, not truly lost, but not really found, either.

It's a risky life the traveller leads. But the risk is well worth it.