F is For Friends Who Do Stuff Together!

As my last week in Heidelberg comes to an all too soon close, clinical placement week is looming just ahead. Throughout this week, all of the wonderful new friends I have made will be scattered in small groups across Central Europe, with myself and two others landing in Holland. I have to say, I feel very fortunate to get the opportunity to visit a third European country during my study abroad experience. Not many American college students can say they have stayed in the Netherlands!

While I am certain I will be very busy observing and soaking up as much as I possibly can during my placement, it will also be a bittersweet week. Not only will I be recovering from three unbelievable weeks in Heidelberg, but this will be the first time that I have been away from the incredible people I have met in my group since this whirlwind began. We have found ourselves musing aloud over how strange next week will be without each other, and it's true.

It's an unique phenomenon, how strangers with a common interest can wind up forming strong friendships in such a minuscule time frame. I never realized that entering a life changing experience such as studying abroad would introduce me to people that I would fall in love with by the end of the first day. There's really no describing the seamless way we have all fit together, each bringing our own unique personalities and gifts to the table, and experiencing a once in a lifetime trip together. I feel that I have gained lifelong peers, colleagues, and friends, and we are only half way through. This coming week really is going to be odd, but I'm thankful for that. A rich man (woman?) is one who has someone to miss. Here's to the fourth week of music therapy study abroad... in Holland!