Aisha Isabelle

I have officially left my town in Brittany. I packed everything I needed to, booked my ticket to return home and returned my wi-fi box. I then ate a huge plate of spaghetti and while drying the dishes I hit my lip really hard with a pot. I had to take care of the bleeding and Leah thankfully arrived after I had finished taking care of it. She came with her son which was great because we needed his muscles to get my heavy suitcases to the car. After the car was loaded I went back into the apartment to do one last round making sure I had everything and then I locked the doors, hopped in Leah’s car and we headed to the train station. They both helped me load my luggage onto the train and then we said goodbye.

Once the train took off, I was reminiscing about my time in Brittany, what I have come to learn about myself, and how the experience has shaped me. I realized that this time period of my life is about growth. I have come face to face with all my insecurities and doubt which I’m processing out of my system at the moment.

I was thinking of what my year of 23 symbolized and encapsulated and I came to the realization that it’s been the year of coming face to face with my fears, my perceived inadequacies, and digging deeper beyond that.

It’s a time of having and showing strength. Being able to ask for what I want instead of hoping that someone will take note and take care of it. Believing in miracles and clinging to hope. Knowing that things are going to work out and I’m going to get through each phase without knowing how. Getting over myself and learning to be around others and let them in. Also, open my heart and give of myself in the work that I do.

My experience in Brittany has been amazing. It was unbelievable. It was awesome. I am so deeply touched by all the kindness all the people I have met, my students, everyone, has shown me. I definitely feel like this appreciation is mutual and I hope to return in the near future to catch up with everyone.

A few hours later…

I am now on the train heading to Nice. I am ready and look forward to seeing V and Amie and Lu again. The train station had birds flying within it and it just made me happy and calmed my soul. It gave me a sense of peace. Everything is fine. Everything is going to be fine. I just have to breathe and let go and follow. That’s it.

APR 17