My exchange year to Denmark =)

The End (?)

2010-06-21T20:50:00.001-07:00

This is my final entry to this blog, it is inevitable, my exchange year in Denmark has come to an end. It took me about 5 days to interpret my leave, so here is a "Spark's Notes" guide to my year in Denmark.

On August 1st I left my home. I left my family. I left my friends. I left my comfort zone. And I left everything I knew a million miles away, and roughly 330 days until I knew it again.
It was devastating, earth shattering, and probably one of the most difficult things I've ever done in my life... or so I thought at the time.

On June 17th I will tell you it wasn't the most complicated thing I have ever done.
June 17th was the hardest day of my life. It was the day I said "vi ses" to everyone who captured my heart, and it was "vi ses" to a beautiful country named Denmark. Denmark, stole my heart, and changed me as a person.... I owe all my credit to the misfortune and incredibly fortunate experiences I encountered this year. They made me a stronger more educated person.

I am proud to say I have achieved great things this year. I solved things above my capability (or so I thought), I met impeccable people, and I experienced a new way of life.
My heart is deeply engraved with the memories (good, bad, ugly, and beautiful) of what occurred this year.

My heart weeps silently at the thought of not being in Denmark and not being able to hug my loved ones back in Denmark and around the world as a matter of fact, but it also is dancing a great dance of joy.

It is the most conflicting emotion to have ever been present in my emotions and in my thoughts.
I cry because I know it will no longer be present, what has occurred and was occurring is in the past now, it is only in my memories. However, I scream for joy because IT HAS HAPPENED.
I met the most amazing people, saw the most spectacular things, and have had the best experiences in my life. I know not everyone can say that they have done that. I know one day when I am on my death bed, I will smile to myself and think... " those were the best days of my life, those were some amazing sights, and wow... those were such amazing people with such beautiful souls... and yes... I did it all myself.... and yes, those people meant so much to me."
I know that no matter where I am in the world, I will be thinking of those people. We will forever be together in my memories. My mind holds a special place for those people. My memories will never erase this... my mind will never erase you.

You all know who you are. In fact, this second I am thinking of you all. Our beautiful moments together. You are the reason I write. You are the reason my fingers breathe this very instant. Never will I forget. You know who you are...

Denmark. Changed me forever. It is not the end. No. It is just the beginning.

I will not ramble on about how Denmark was as a country, that is just the outline of what really went on. I will not talk about how my danish was, what the fashion was like, school, families etc.
That is just the outside. I want you to read between the lines... feel as how I have.

I could not stop crying. I said goodbye to you at the airport. I saw the tears in your eyes. I hugged you goodbye. I walked past security with huge tears in my eyes, blurred vision, and mascara running down like dripping wet paint. It was the most terrible pain. I don't know when I will see you again. But I hope soon. People were staring. Thinking the worst probably. People must have thought... "that poor girl, must have said bye to her family... maybe a boyfriend?". It was 1000 times worse. It was my family, my friends, my home, everything I made... everything that was dear to me. It reminded me of August 1st 2009. But 10000 times worse. I knew I would see the U.S again... will I see you again? Will I see Denmark again? I hope so. I pray everyday to grant me that one thing. Bring me back to you.

When I say you, I hope you know who you (ALL) are.

My heart broke on that bus that one day. I said goodbye to most my exchange friends. The one group of people who could understand my every emotion. I wrote to you that day too. I hope you read that letter and think of me. I also hugged you that day, by the stairs, and as I cried you made one of your usual jokes, it instantly made me smile. You can make me laugh like no one else ever can. I hope you know who you are.

That one day I saw you last. I was running for the bus. We didn't get to say goodbye. I cried the whole way home. But then I thought of all our great times together, and laughed. You two bring a smile to my face.

I will never forget you all.

I loved my year. I loved my friends. I loved my family. And I always will.
I will never forget you all.

Most importantly. I want you to know this.

I want to thank you. SO SO SO SO MUCH. You changed my life. Denmark changed my life.
You opened my eyes. Denmark woke me up. You took my hand. Denmark leaded me. You loved me. Denmark supported me. You changed my life... and Denmark influenced it.
My year was amazing. It was spectacular. The terrible things that happened this year, do no longer count. They are over. And now, I only see the good.

This is not the end. No. It is the beginning of a new life for me. I have changed for the better, and constantly I see that Denmark is still molding me... even though I am no longer living there. Denmark is here in the states. It is growing inside me like a new root. It is giving my life and allowing me to breath even deeper then I imagined. This year, this new life, was more then I imagined it to be.

This is not the end. No. It is just the beginning.

Thank you everyone for this year. It couldn't have been possible without you.
I hope you know who you are. Names are not necessary. Only my love for you all and my words are just what we need.

Denmark, and you... will always, always be in my heart.

Thank you everyone who stayed updated with my blog. Its meant a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed it, even though I was pretty bad at keeping it well updated!
Look for me in the future, I'm sure I will have another blog up soon of whats going on now in my life and of some of my other works of literature... aka: me just writing for fun :)

All my love. To you the best, who always stayed with me,
Megan Elizabeth Bender

Most recent update (:

2010-03-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Im terrible at keeping my blog update, unskyld alle sammen :(
Ok so heres a DETAILED account of what has been going on in my life here in Denmark.

I moved to my third family about 4 weeks ago. I moved to another city about 15 km away, so a new area that I had to get familiar with. It was difficult for me to move at first because its always hard to be uprooted so many times when your so comfortable. But now 4 weeks later I will tell you those feelings no longer exist. I enjoy the time I am spending here VERY much with my new family. We have spent a bit of quality time together over the vinterferie for a week at their summer house. It was fun and and very realxing. It reminded me of the time up north at nana and papa's cabin- being lazy, eating great food, and just enjoying time together. I had a great time. Also, at the end of the break I went for a little trip to Monchengladbach, Germany to vist a former exchange student friend. Ricarda and I had a great time together. And it was such an experience to see how her exchange changed her, we talked as though we have been friends since we were litle! It wa great. Also, I saw quite a bit of the german culture. I saw a handball match, a regular weekend, meet her friends, and went to school with her. It was EXACTLY what I wanted in a trip, and that is to understand the lifestyle, not just see things, but experience them. It was great. It probably will go down as one of my best moments of 2010!
Currently things are going very well. This Friday I will be going to Shannon, Ireland to visit a family friend and to experience the irish St. Patrick's Day! I cant wait it will be great.
And in 2 weeks I will be going with my class for a week for a study tour to Barcelona, Spain. It will be great, and hopefully we will get warm weather there ! Then I will return home for 2 days and head off to Athens, Greece with my host family. We plan on staying there for a week and long enough to see a greek orthadox easter mass. So it will be a GREAT 4 weeks coming up. I really am excited to visit all these places.

So therefore, overall, things are pretty amazing right now. Its getting closer and closer to the end, but as of now Im just soaking everything in and enjoying what Europe has to offer me.
I am truly blessed for all these wonderful people making all these adventures possible. Thank you all so much.

All my love and best wishes <3
Megan

Updated Bucketlist

2010-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Have Done

- Visit Amalienborg (X)
- Visit Rosenborg Castle (X)
- Visit Kronborg Castle (X)
- Go to Statens Museum for Kunst (X)
- Take a Picture by the Little Mermaid (X)
- See the Hirschsprung Collection (X)
- Go to H.C Andersen House (X)
- Go to Louisiana Art Museum (X)
-Go to Thorvaldesns Museum (X)
- Visit the resistance museum (X)
- Go to Tivoli (X)
- Visit and open air museum (X)
- Go to National museum (X)
- Visit Arhus (X)
- Vist atleast one danish island (X)

Still Need To

- Spend a day at Bellevue Beach
- Visit the viking museum in Roskilde
- Visit Fredericksborg Castle
- Climb the stairs of famous church in KBH
- See and opera or ballet
- Go to Skagen
- Go to Bornholm
- Go to Legoland

Never going to happen list, but I'm hopeful :)

- Meet the Queen
- Have (specifically Sunset) tea with the Royal Family
- Have a conversation with Jacob Holdt
- Meet Nik og Jay and/or Medina ;)

Velkommen 2010! Godt nytår allesammen!

2010-01-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

So today is the second day of the new year, and exactly 5 months and 1 day aniversery for my stay here in Denmark. And wow has it been an adventure.
As I'm looking back on the past 5 months I can already see a dramatic change in myself. Especially in my maturity, ability to deal with difficult situations, and in my understanding of the world. I also made a huge long list of things I need to acomplish by the end of the year, and I only have a few months to do it! I know that my time here is precious and I'm valuing every experience I'm getting. I love it here but I can tell the even when i go home in about 5 months I will have another adventure to begin, so therfore Denmark will never have ended for me, I will continue to grow from whats changed me here.

This new year will bring alot for me. I will be traveling to Barcelona in about 2 months, traveling Europe in about 4 months, and doing more sightseeing around Denmark. I will be taking the ACT test abroad and hopefully that will bring good results. My only hope is that I become the person I'm meant to become, and to live a life inspired and to do the best I can and achieve my aspirations. It will be hard, but what's hard is usually what is most rewarding in the end.

Happy New Year everyone, I hope and pray that 2010 will prove itself to be one of the best years.

Missing you all,
Megs

Jul i Tivoli!

2009-12-18T07:07:00.001-08:00

The Danish Birthday Song :)

2009-12-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

A General Update

2009-12-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

So its been quite awhile with quite a lot of things to update on. Last Friday was my 17th birthday and my only wish was that it be celebrated in a very "danish way". Haha it was was :)
I started the morning off with rolls, coffee, tea, and penut butter my host mom so graciously found awhile ago. I opened my gifts and everything I recieved was danish! I got a H.C Andersen fairytale collection, history of Denmark book (BOTH all in danish), scandanvian design candles, HC Andersen candle, gift card for jewerly, and a danish doll from my former host family. It was such a sweet morning. Then of course school, where I gave out flodeboller (spelt wrong due to lack of danish keys haha). And was sung the danish birthday song :)
Then in the evening, my host sister had some friends over and we got ready all together to go to the school's formal, aka the biggest party of the year. It was SO much fun and everyone was in such a good mood. We ate dinner in our class room with our teachers, had a nice meal, and then had awards etc. Following we danced the waltz and the lanciers. It was very enjoyable!
The rest of the evening resulted in jazz music, and hygge :)

The next day I celebrated with my host family and my close north american friends. They came over for layer cake and hot coca. Then after we vistited Tivoli to see all of the Christmas decorations and to take a side trip to talk to the Julemand about what we want for Christmas... haha in danish ;)

It was a really sweet birthday, filled with alot of hygge and alot of joy.

As of today, unfortuantly I've been sick THEE entire week. I've hardly left my bed. Haha, and I left the house once to the doctors office. Its such a miserable feeling only because you cand do anything, you dont feel like doing anything, and you literally cant. And the most unfortunate thing is when you feel so miserable you start to think the worst. I've thought so much just lying in bed. I think about missing home, and what the holidays are going to be like without me etc. etc. So thats been my state as of the past few days. Im staying positive because Im getting healthier but still... its been a bummer feeling so mierable after such a great weekend.

Anyways, I will get pictures up soon of Tivoli!

Peace && Love.
Megs (:

Update

2009-11-26T03:33:00.000-08:00

Ok so sorry its been so long since I've written anything, its been kinda hectic lately!
So as of 2 Sundays ago I've moved into the Windfeld household, and I absolutly love living here :) I have a wonderful mom, Dorte, and a very kind father, Jens. Two amazing sisters Julie and Christine whom I enjoy living with very much! I only moved about 5 miles from my last home so the area is still familiar to me, and I really am grateful for that. At first I found it hard to move because it was like I finally got situated somewhere and then I had to uproot myself once again. However, I'm grateful for the opportunity to get closer to another family.
I will be living with them until late January, so we will be clebrating Thankgiving (TODAY WHOO HOO!), My birthday, Christmas, and New years together. I couldnt have chosen a better family to celebrate the most special days of the year with!
Unfortunatly the only thing is that 1/4 my exchange is complete, and there's no going back. Its an odd feeling to think that I've been here for about 4 months, its crazy, but its soooo amazingly worth it!

Anyways, more updates.
Today I will be going to a Rotary Thanksgiving meal with my family, my counselor Henrik, many other rotarians, and all the exchange students in this district. Im really looking forward to kinda/sorta celebrating thanksgiving, especially since Im away from my fam. during it.

Tuesday I will be going to the Paramore concert with a friend from Canada, and Im SUPER excited to finally see them (I havent even seen them in my own country!).

Friday is my 17th birthday and the schools formal gala. Im SO excited because we will have dinner with our class in a decorated room at the school, and then at the dance we do a traditional french dance (which Im TERRIBLE at may I add). So it should be alot of fun.

Saturday I will celebrate my birthday with my family and some friends, and in the evening go to Tivoli with some friends.

So everything is getting really exciting starting December, and the "hygge" is much needed right now due to the dreary danish weather, and short days of sun.
Anyways....

Sending all my love back home, Happy Thanksgiving, I love you all very much!

PEACE && LOVE (:
Megs

P.S.

Above I posted some pics of my new room, I absolutly love it!

New set of eyes; same pair of shoes

2009-11-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have gained a new pair of eyes by living in this country. I've learned how to view the world from a different viewpoint, and Im seeing things in a different way; more different then I ever have before. However, because I've recieved a new vision doesnt mean that I have to change the shoes Im walking in as well. I will still, and always will be, me. Because I've gained a new perspective on this crazy rollar coster we're on doesnt mean that Ive changed who I am as a person. I am still Megan Elizabeth Bender, and will be until my name is forgotten. I just wanted everyone to be aware of this fact. I have changed and I know I have but its for the better, to better me, and to better the world.

Another point I want to make is about my miserable and amazing weekend. Friday I slept all day, and felt bad for myself, so I watched the OC and (despite the fact its fictional) I felt much better about my issues. But when It rolled around to bed time I realized how useless it is to feel sorrow for myself.... really, how selfish can I get. So Saturday I enjoyed a nice day to the art museum Louisiana with my host sister and host mommy. I was SOOOOO INSPIRED by an art exhibit by a danish photographer named Jacob Holdt. He had traveled around the United States after being a drop out and not knowing what he was searching for had ended up in the states, hitch hiking and meeting people along the way. His philosophy on life was what hit me the most. The fact that he opened up his heart and his ears to people who needed it, he allowed himself to feel others pain in order to realive them of it. He meet some amazingly hurt people, people with more pain then I can even interpret. He said that on his journey he never once met an evil person (he met many KKK leaders and murders), they weren't evil just troubled. And throughout the exhibit each photograph had a story, and thats what I found so amazing, one second you would be laughing at the story and the next picture you were balling your eyes out. It was a beautiful exhibit. Jacob Holdt is now officially on my Denmark List as someone I would want to meet... even before the Queen hahah!

That was the amazing part of this weekend. The miserable came on Sunday. As I was getting home from a friends house and mass I arrived at the Holte train station to see that my bike... was GONE! I had paced madly around the train station trying to find it, but I ended up calling my host mom balling my eyes out. Someone had cut the chain on my bike and stole everything right from the bike rack. I never ever in my life thought it would be an issue, but it was enough to ruin my whole eveing. I feel terrible, but theres nothing anyone did wrong. Just people in this world who think that its okay to steal things... especially when it benefits them and they dont think about the one their taking from. It was tragic.

And once I got home I made my host family Tater Tot Hotdish, so that they could taste a bit of Minnesota. I was teary eyed, (not only from the onions) but being with my host family and just enjoying what I did have left and looking forward instead of back helped make the evening much nicer. They LOVED it, and I was so proud to say I even cooked something haha. So it was a cozy evening. And following we had an apple dessert my host mom made and some Hershey's Kisses to add an american twist to it ;) It was good fun.

Sooo... moral of this post is that in life we are al handed lemons, so we have to do the best we can with what we're handed. Its never fun and its never easy to deal with the difficult things in life, but the point is that IT WILL GET BETTER. If we dwell on past things or past motives we cant see the happiness in the moment we're in. Things could've been worse in my situation, but they weren't. It doesnt change that the bike was stolen but all I can do is look ahead. And in the case of the infleuntial things in life. I would love to take Jacob Holdt's philosophy on life as my own. We're all put on this earth, so lets all live together in it. Another's pain and suffering is my own pain and suffering, as well as other's joys. I find that then I will have a meaning to this life.

This weekend held too much emotion for me, but its okay, Im alive, and what didnt kill me made me stronger. I will always stay hopeful and look forward, not back.

I would like to think of myself like Holdt. Im a hitch hiker, in a foreign land, not knowing what Im searching for, but as long as Im open to the emotion and the adrenaline and the beauty, I will find what Im looking for. With my new set of eyes, and my same old trusty pair of shoes, Im off on the road, to figure out what Im searching for :)

Halloween G2G in Holbæk :)

2009-10-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend was another one of our fabulous get togethers with ALL of the exchange students in Denmark. We had to dress up for our dinner/dance, so here is some pictures of what it was like. I didnt have a whole ton of money to spend on a costume so I just used what I had and bought the little things, soooo I was "my own worst enemy" or edderkop pige (spider girl) hahaha. My friend Mika drew the spider web going from my chest to my shoulder and it turned out pretty amazing, it was a great time :) Heres some pics. from the weekend! Enjoy!

In Theory

2009-10-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today marks the reality that I have been in Denmark for 83 days.
WOW! So for 83 days I havent seen my family/friends/school/house/city etc.
Its so incredibly crazy to think that its been that long without those things above but these past 83 days have been so amazing. I wouldn't for a second take back those 83 days. Denmark is what I've been dreaming about my whole life, and that is my independence.

So far these 83 days have changed me alot I believe. I feel like I'm so much more mature and I can def. say that I feel like an adult now... not like a 16 yr. old. It is my belief that no matter who we are as a person, its INEVITABLE that we change. Change is such a feared thing in this life...
when really we should embrace it, go with it, and see what the outcome is. It would be so strange to say that I stayed the American Megan in Denmark. I feel like I'm not another person, but another personality of myself, the person I can easily be without so much care. I like who Im becoming here, and I appreciate every single second I spend in this country, because I know that when I return to my country that I will be American Megan... once again.

Im pretty sure this is how Darwin must have thought when he was philosophing about evolution- we must change in order to survive in the enviroment we are inhabiting.
Its science, its life, and Im witnessing it. If theres one thing I will greatly gain from this year abroad its my ability to accept change. Im learning now to accept things in a new and more relaxed way then before, and I like that about myself.

I love being challenged as a person, because if theres one thing I know for sure its that Im becoming a person I never imagined I'd become. Being an exchange student is an amazing and a once in a lifetime opportuinty to re create yourself and to grow into who your meant to be.
Im beyond thankful... truly I am

Sending all my love and best wishes to you all back home :)
Hej Hej!

Megs :)

Picture Updates

2009-10-17T02:17:00.001-07:00

Glyptotek

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Me at Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteck

Where they hang out :)

The guards at Amalienborg (Queen's Castle)

Dear Mom and Dad, I would much rather prefer this then a new car ;)

Irina and I, laughing haha

By the fountain at Amalienborg

Irina from Argentina and I visiting Den Lille Havfrue (The little mermaid)

Typical danish dish Smørrebrød w/ herring. Det smager meget godt :) (It tastes very good!)

Hejså Allesammen :)

2009-10-13T05:15:00.000-07:00

Wow... I'm so bad at keeping updated with these blogs. Soooo... I will just quickly run through how things have recently been going.

Right now Im on efterårsferie (fall break), and I'm just relaxing (slappe af in danish). Im enjoying my time with my family and just REALLY getting into the danish culture, which I feel I've been neglecting lately. So on Sunday my host mom, host dad, sister, and I went to Odense and visited mor mor (grandma on mom's side) and went apple picking! It was so much fun, and as usual mor mor always over feeds me. And it was the very first time I tried the danish specialty, herring. Most forigners dislike it from what I've heard but I ADORE IT! It is so good on a piece of rye bread, with dill sauce. I love it. And we had my favorite danish dessert, which is the old fashioned birthday cake. So of course I had a wonderful time :)

And yesterday I went to the København zoo with my friend Mika. The zoo is about 150 yrs old, and it had about the average animals you would find in a zoo. After we went shopping for some touristy stuff. I bought a really nice scarf with the danish flag that says Danmark on it! And a little gift for my sister, Sam. No Sam you cant know what it is until Christmas time either!!!
And since I was already on a danish high I decided to stop at the musik store and find some good solid danish music. The best I could come up with was Nik and Jay. Haha aka: danish rap!
And now as I listen to the songs over and over again I find myself understanding more and more of what they're saying, which is a great achievement for me... especially if they're rapping it ;)
And after our big shopping spree we met up with a friend in Lyngby to go shopping for our Halloween costumes for Holbæk weekend. We all wanted something cheap but something unique- I ended up with a black sparkly mask, spider web gloves, deep red lipstick, and a black pen. I will be "Eddercup Pige" (Spider Girl) Hahah. I will have my friend draw a spider web going up my kneck leading to a spider on my face, haha so it should be fun :)
And later that evening I went home with my friend. And we ate dinner with her host family and watched Jurasic Park with danish subtitles. It was such a great evening, just spending time and laughing at how corny the movie really is...

And today.... I FINALLY cleaned and sorted through my room. Its about time too. And after I went with my host mom to go visit my host sister at her work. And also to go to the library for some kids books in danish. I walked out with 9 silly kids books and one being Klods Hans (H.C Andersen fairytale, and a play I saw my 2nd week here in DK). I also got a cd with the national song of Denmark, which I will learn by heart! So after my host mom and I were browsing through Kvickly (equvilent to Walgreens or something but with more groceries) and we found a collection of three Cds with all kids music on it, all the traditional danish kids music. So I will be singing "Fastelavn er mit navn", "Ole har fødselsdag", and "Puf" in no time!

So overall things have been so amazingly great lately. I feel much more immeresed and I feel my danish improving alot. Now that Im forcing myself to do so, the easier life gets. I'm so happy to be here, and my homesickness has faded to 5% now. So Im at a good spot on the exchange student chart right now.

Anyways, that was a quick and brief update. Love you all :)
SHALOM
Hej Hej!

The (most recent) logic of Megan Bender ;)

2009-09-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ok sorry, it takes me so long to update this blog. Im usually really busy, or Im too tired to write. Haha so I will take the time today to write a nice long post about whats going on here, how Im feeling, hows DK etc. I will bold my topics, so things wont get so confusing ;)

Funny/Odd Things I've been told/asked
So far I have gotten alot of questions or statments about where Im from or why I do things the way I do. Haha so here is a collection of the funniest things I've heard.

-Are all american highschools exactly like they show in the movies?
-Are the girls as mean as they are in "Mean Girls"
-Are all americans fat?
-Where do you come from... you have a really funny accent?
-How can you live in a society like the U.S (after watching Sicko)
-I'm so glad I dont live in the U.S, its not safe at all, you cant walk out on the streets at night, and the fashion there is just so ugly
-In the U.S everything is just extreme, theres not in between, either your obese or your annorexic, either your religious or your protesting religion

My only reaction to half these is laughing them off, obviously some are pretty amusing, but sometimes I find these statments to be offensive, and in a way like they are already set on the answer they want to hear. The U.S is not at all a bad place, we have alot of issues yes, but so does every country. Im doing my best to explain to the best of my ability but for future cases, I know not to take it so personally, its a cultural difference and Im learning. And lauging while doing so ;)

School life
School has been going pretty good for the most part. I enjoy going to school because I get to test out my knowledge of "coversational danish", especially when it comes to understanding everyone when they're speaking at their pace. I dont understand much outside of danish and spanish class but I do learn alot by sitting there and TRYING to find something. So even though its a great struggle, I really enjoy testing myself, and doing homework for my danish class the day before! The only real obvious struggle I'm encountering is that everyone is SO nice, and everyone is willing to be nice, but it seems like theres no one willing to work towards a friendship, just that its left at an acquantance basis, and no further. It kind of sucks to feel like you're the one tagging along, but then again I know that anyone new would feel the same way. I just walked into a class of like 26 people who are super close and have known each other for a 2 years... so Im guessing I should've expected it. But Im not giving up hope, of course I want close friends so I will keep trying but Im thinking that I should try a sport/activity to meet danes in a better enviroment, and then maybe I will be able to get closer to people, and still be immeresed in the danish atmosphere.

Exchange Student/Rotary
This past weekend we had a get together with all the exchange students in my district, 1470. It was such a nice, cozy weekend! "Hyggeglit" is a very sutitable adjective! Anyways, we had a weekend of just chilling and spending time with each other while playing games, and making up projects and providing evening enteratiment. I enjoyed just being with people who are all SO different, but we all get along, we all get along well. It was just a nice change of pace to experience it from that point of view and to spend some time being busy to keep my mind off of what I miss back at home. I definatly appreciate Rotary's support in helping us exchange students get closer, because we are our best support system. And I thank God for it everyday!

How I'm feeling in general
Overall I think things are going at a pretty decent rate. Im super happy to be here and Im super excited to learn more and more as the time flys by. My greatest struggle as of these past two weeks is just a bit of homesickness. Actually I lied... alot of homesickness. I just miss things being normal, and not having to worry about the simple things that I used to never think about back home. I miss my mommy and daddy, and my sister. I miss spending time with my grandparents are their cabin in the fall, I miss my best friends Megan, Kaitlin, and Kathleen. But most of all I miss who I used to be in some ways. I miss how strong I used to be in alot of ways, it feels like Im incredibly passive now, and nothing affects me in the same way as it used to. I enjoy that Im changing, but in another way I dont enjoy the fact that Im becomming less of myself. However, as of today, I can tell you I dont miss anything. All I can think about now is how Im going to make THIS YEAR the best, and how Im going to make lots of friends, and how Im going to speak fluent danish by the end of the year. Im so so so thankful for this opportunity. I love Denmark and I love every emotion Im feeling, even if they hurt. I like the fact that I'm questioning the way I live back at home, and I like the fact that I'm growing more independent. I hope that this year I can gain a strong sense of confidence in myself, and that I can take that home with me and continue building on to it. So far, things have been amazing, I really really have nothing to complain about. So for all of the future exchange students, just understand this, you will have days that are the lowest of the lows, but dont ever let it stop you from pursuing a great year. One day can't possibly determine a whole year... unless you let it. So just let the clouds pass by and the sun will shine through before you know it.... trust me, it will be worth it =)

Anyways, so there was a nice long update. As of now I dont have too many huge plans.
So it feels like Im ACTUALLY living in Denmark now, I can no longer be looked upon as a tourist! Haha its a nice feeling, but also a very hard hitting reality. Im less American everyday Im here, haha minus my accent =)

So just for fun Im going to write some danish phrases/words I know

-Jeg Hedder Megan
-Jeg Kommer fra U.S.A.
-Jeg bor i Holte, DK
-Jeg elsker Danmark!
-Jeg vil gerne have en kup kaffe
-Hvor gammel er du?
-Hvor kommer du fra?
-Jeg elsker dansk dregner!
-Jeg har en cykel
-Jeg elsker dansk mad
-Tak for mad
-Hvad?
-Hej Hej
-Hav en god dag
-Hav en god weekend
-Hvad skal du lave i weekenden?
-Slappe af

That was just a quick example of what I enjoy saying. Haha so yeah, theres a bit of danish for you! Anyways, I love you all very much! Anyone who takes the time to read this- thank you so much, you're the reason I'm writing!
'Til next time

PEACE && LOVE,
Megan =)

The (current) logic of Megan Bender

2009-09-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to consider myself a great philosopher, so here goes with my recent work. I shall title it... the thought process of an exchange student ;)

I think that most of, we all are feeling about the same way.
We all love it here in Denmark, and we all appreciate the time we are spending here, however we all have our own internal battles in which we are fighting; some are just more open about them then most.

We all are in a state in which we are lost, extremely, hoplessly, lost and confused. My good friend Hannah equated it to being deaf, and she is exactly right. No matter what, we have NO IDEA whats going on when danish is being spoken, whether or not we are apart of a group we will always feel 150% left out, because we have no idea whats going on, we just smile and nod and act like everything is great... even though internally we are screaming.
(I wonder how the immigrants in the U.S feel half the time, atleast the danes can speak to us in english)

We all will feel some form of homesickness. Some of us will feel a longing for our traditional food, and some of us just want to be held by our parents, siblings, friends, etc. We all have atleast one thing we miss about home. For me, I just miss the normal life I used to life. Not too much attention, but enough to be pleased, enough attention from friends and family... and it was always genuine attention. I used to be Megan, now I'm Megan... the exchange student from the United States. Someday, hopefully that title will fade to just my friend Megan, maybe Im not giving it enough time... but thats how it goes for about half the year I think.

We all are in this crazy, wild adventure of a rollar coaster together. No one lied when they said the exchange students will probably be your best friends. I think the reason for that is because no mattter our differences in culture or language we all are forieign to the land we're in. We all have absolutly no idea whats going on, but we all know for a fact that the other exchange students feel the same way. They are always there to rely on and they are always there to complain to. We are like one big adopted family, we all will get along regardless of our differences because we all have one thing in common... 1 yr, in Denmark, and 1 yr to make it last, 1 yr of confusion, amazing opportunities, and 1 yr. of friendship. Thats why we are so close. Its inevitable.

Anyways, these are just a few of my thoughts. I have alot more, I just need to sort through in my head. But Denmark is a beautiful place, a place where Im learning who I am. Im so grateful for this year, because its teaching me what kind of person I am... what I can achieve and things I definatly want to stay away from. This country challenges me to look at life in another way, and I love it, I love that I'm being forced to see the world from another set of eyes, because if I only saw through american eyes, what kind of person would I be?
Im learning how to feel sympathy for foreigners, especially when we are being particularly rough on them, I understand what its like to be lost... and not understanding anything... so compassion has rooted itself in me. And most of all Im learning how to take control of my life. Its MY decisions that pave the path to my future, and I know who and what I want to be, and regardless of the struggles Im going to make it happen. Im so grateful I can see this. Im so grateful I've been blessed with this opportunity. Its a heartache and its one of my greatest joys.

I can't wait to see what I will be like in July of 2010 hahah =)

1 Month Aniversery =)

2009-09-04T04:29:00.000-07:00

Its officially been 1 month (or so) since I've arrived in Denmark. And its gone by SO amazingly fast! I'm enjoying every minute I have here, and Im definatly cherishing the time I have with everyone I'm meeting, because I realized I only have 11 more months left of it!

This week was my first week starting at Virum Gymnasium. Im in 2j, which is like a language line. So my classes conisist of english, danish, spanish, history, society, gym, ancient greek studies, religion, etc. So its a great relief not to have any math or science classes! And I found out that our class will be taking a study tour to Barcelona in March! Its so exciting! So I really am looking forward to that. Anyways, everyone in my class is so kind, and I can tell by the end of the year that I will have some good friends from my class. It was such a blessing to not have to worry on the first day whether or not I would be sitting alone in the back of the classroom. But that wasn't a worry at all.

In addition to school Im taking danish lessons 2 days a week in København. Its a nice break in the day, and I always look forward to seeing my exchange friends again. And of course work on my danish.

Other then that, my weekends are filled with fun things to do with my family and now some of my friends from school. So its nice not to have time to sit around and think.
I enjoy staying busy, so then I won't think about missing things at home too much.

Im very proud of myself for being able to handle alot of difficult situations on my own. Being and exchange student of course means facing alot of hard situtaions. I never thought I was capable of going through such issues and still coming out on top. I learn more about myself EVERY day I'm here. Sure I'm changing, but I think its a good change, I'm learning how to see the world from a different perspective then what I'm used to. Some days its easier then others but overall its worth it.

I'm looking forward to seeing how mature I will be by the end of this year, and how well I can speak danish ;)

Anyways, other then that, I had a good time at Intro. Camp. Unfortunatly I didnt learn alot in danish classes because we just worked on the basics, which is what district 1470 has done for the past 2 weeks. So I was kinda upset about that. But I met alot of great people, and I also realized how much Im in love with my host family. Haha I was pretty homesick for them the whole week at camp, and of course my host mom's amazing food.

But I got sick about a week ago at camp and it still hasn't gone away, so I'm drinking about two cups of tea a day and trying to get better so I wont miss anymore school!
Other then that, its going well here.

Today at 4 my family and I are leaving for the island Fanø in Denmark. I'm SOOO excited to just get away for a little while and have time to relax with my family. I will post some pictures on my blog when I get back. But google it, and you will see how beautiful it truly is.

Anways, I better get going.
Vi ses allesammen, hej hej!

-Megs

Quick Update!

2009-08-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

So now I've officially been in Denmark for 3 weeks, and WOW has the time flew by!
Its been such a great journey already. I've meet amazing people, gotten closer to my host family, and have just about mastered the art of biking. I'm learning how to appreciate the little things in life that I have just otherwised ignored. I'm learning that its not the big things in life that determine our happiness, but its the little things.

Being here in Denmark makes me realize how much I appreciate my life back home as well. And obviously some things I wish I had back home. I miss things being simple back home. I miss not being in the spotlight. Funny, we all want attention right? Thats the thing I've learned, is that there is nothing thats normal. As an exchange student, I dont think anything can be that normal.
The only thing that will stay constant for me this whole year it school. Everything else is a constant change, and readjustment.

And I guess you can say I have had my great culture shock. I had gone to a party with my host sis. to meet some more people from my school, and there was SO MUCH alcohol! I expected there would be a lot, but maybe I just wasn't prepared for it. To me its a shock mainly because in the U.S you don't drink until your 21, and if you do before that its obviously not in the open.
I just realized that its not right, its not wrong, its just different. I'm not in agreement with the things that happen, but I'm not in disagreement with it either.
I just understand now what to expect, and how to respond to it. Luckily, when people are drinking they tend to be a bit more friendly, and they then suddenly want to speak english. So I really have nothing to complain about ;)

But the big picture of everything that went down is this: I'm becoming a stronger person by going through the happy times and dealing with the difficult times. I'm learning what its like to be open minded, and to give everything a chance to prove itself right, wrong, or just simply different.

I love Denmark with my whole being, and I'm so in-love with the danes. I refuse to be like those authors that generalize a whole nation, because as I'm living here I realized that its IMPOSSIBLE to stereotype a whole nation, because if I did, it wouldn't be accurate.

Heres somethings I got from a book awhile back that concerned me about DK
-Danes hate it when people cry, they dont appreciate weakness
-Danes are very competative, and they HATE loosing
-Danes are usually very happy because of the amount of alcohol they consume
ETC

Ummm... I don't know what kind of danes this author met, but I haven't come across any that believe in those such thing.

And it goes both ways. People probably are expecting me to be like 250 lbs, loud mouthed, rude, and arrogant because I'm from the U.S.
So therefore, put down these dumb books that stereotype EVERY COUNTRY, because in all honesty, their not being fair. Let it be up to you how you view the world, and don't let anyones judgment affect your views.

Ok so Im kinda rambling today.... lets keep it going this style =)

Anyways, tommrow morning I leave for the Intro. Camp in Bjerringbro! I'm SUPER excited. I can't wait to meet the other exchange students, to learn more danish, and to visit Århus!
Its going to be an amazing adventure.
Especially when we play soccer, haha, Im not sure I'm capable of doing so... thus making it a GREAT adventure ;))))

Here's my schedule for the week

Sunday
-8:10AM take train from CPH Central Station to Jutland
-Arrive around 1 PM
-1:30 have a welcom speech, tour the school, and settle in
-6:oo dinner
-7:30 Evening assembly

Monday
- Breakfast
-Morning assembly
-Danish lessons
-Lunch
-Danish lessons
-Evening activites (Soccer, Drama, Chior)

Tuesday
-Breakfast
-Morning assembly
-Danish lessons
-Lunch
-Danish Lessons
-"Teenagers in DK"-workshop
-Dinner
-Evening activites (Soccer, Drama, Chior)

Wednesday
-Breakfast
-Morning assembly
-Danish Lessons
-Lunch
-Excursion to Viborg
-Dinner
-Surprise/Entertainment =)

Thursday
-Breakfast
-Morning assembly
-Danish cultural history
-Danish lessons
-Lunch
-Danish lessons
-Dinner
-Danish film

Friday
-Breakfast
-Morning assembly
-Excursion to Århus (Aros)
-SHOPPING!!!
-Dinner
-Evening activities (Soccer, Drama, Chior)

Saturday
-Breakfast
-Morning assmembly
-Danish lessons
-Lunch
-Eval. of course, meet with district counselor
-Banquet/ Party/ Diskotek

Sunday
-Breakfast
-Morning assembly
-Farvel, Goobye =)

So it should be a GREAT week. Im really looking forward to all the great activites planned.
Anyways, I will update you all by next Sunday how things went.
I won't have my comp. with so this is how you will know what I'm up to ;)

Peace & Love,

Megan =)

My bucketlist for this year in Denmark =)

2009-08-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Tourist List

[ ] Visit the Amalienborg Museum
[ ] Take a picture by the Little Mermaid
[ ] See the Hirschsprung Collection
[ ] Vist Bellevue Beach
[X] Go to H.C. Andersen Hus
[ ] Go to Thorvaldesns Museum
[ ] Climb the stairs to the top of the famous church
[ ] See an Opera at the Copenhagen Opera House
[ ] Go to Louisiana
[ ] Go to Tivoli
[X] Visit an open air museum
[ ] Go to the Nationalmuseet
[ ] Go to Frihedsmuseet (Danish resistance museum)
[ ] Go to Skagen
[ ] Go to Arhus
[ ] Go to Bornholm
[ ] Go on the Euro. Trip

Personal List

[ ] Learn how to "jumpstyle"
[ ] Sing both of the birthday songs off of memory
[ ] Develope a more European fashion sense
[ ] Be able to eat atleast ONE of the black, salty licorice coins
[ ] Bike efficiently like a dane =)
[ ] Speak atleast conversational danish
[ ] Find lifelong DANISH friends
[ ] Make lifelong friends with the exchange students
[ ] Learn a lot in school
[ ] Have a very "danish" style birthday
[ ] Other....

Nearly impossible list; but I'm putting it up anyways ;)
[ ] Meet the Queen
[ ] Be completly fluent by July 2010
[ ] Do a bike tour in Skagen
[ ] Have tea with the Royal Family =)))

So thats all for now, I will continue writing as I figure out what else I would like to do!
This list is my hopes/ and dreams for my stay here in Denmark ;)
Enjoy!

I broke one of the 4'ds =(

2009-08-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Its true. I met a gorgeous man, and I couldn't help the attraction.

(Hahaha Megan this is for you as well)

Its getting a bit serious, so Mom and Dad, starting the wedding plans. Sorry I had to tell you all like this ;)

Update on my life here in Denmark 8/11

2009-08-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

So like I said, its been about a week and a half since I left for Denmark. So here's whats been going on this week.

Monday I started danish lessons in Copenhagen with all the other Rotary exchange students in district 1470. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Who would've thought that I liked sitting in a class room for about 4.5 hrs with 2 breaks? But I love learning danish. And so far since its the basics, I can understand most everything. I know it will get hard soon though... so I'm anticipating much learning in the next 3 months!

But here's some things I realize that may never change:

-The very second someone hears you speak english, the wont try to speak danish to you

-If you try to say a word in danish (and say it perfectly) everyone will laugh... because you said something in danish

-Danes are very skilled when it comes to riding bike, they can even ride in 5 in. heels!!

-The second people hear you're from the U.S they say... OBAMA!!! WHOOO!!

-Everyone wants to know if all americans are fat

-Sometimes... you will just always be "Megan, the exchange student from the U.S"

So there's been alot of things I've learned here. But most importantly that by being here, I've learned alot about my country in addition to learning about Denmark.
I've learned that I'm capable to doing things on my own. And I've learned that a smile can get you further then you think.

So heres a little min calender of some upcomming events

Wed.-
*Danish lessons from 9am-11,
*Going to Virum Gymnasium for the start of school kick off
*Rotary meeting at 5

Thrs.-
*Danish lessons from 9am-1:30
*SHOPPING!
*Visiting a castle

Fri.-
*Danish lessons from 9am-1:30
*Possibly a N.E.R.D concert at Tivoli?

Sat.-
*Hanging out with my 2nd host sister Christine

Sun.-
*Mass
*Relaxing

Then as follows about the same routine until Aug. 23-30. I will be in Jutland with ALL the exchange students in Denmark for an Intro./Language camp!
It will be exciting. However very very tiring =(

Anyways, not too much is going down right now. Just a regular week.

I will surely update my blog as much as possible, its just that it gets difficult to do so some days!
Ok vi ses allesammen!
Hej Hej

Megan

"There is beauty in the breakdown"...

2009-08-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

WARING: If you don't like philosophical thinking... you may want to skip this one =)

On July 31st 2010 I said goodbye to my family, my friends, and my home to come to a foreign country to start a "journey of a thousand miles". It was THEE hardest thing I think I've ever done in my life. I guess you can say I had a break down. I realized that I won't be able to hold my daddy's hand, or cuddle with my mommy, or laugh with my sister about something only we would understand for a WHOLE ENTIRE YEAR! I only focused on that aspect, the negative one.

Today, August 9th 2010, I will tell you that I still do miss my family and my home, but I will tell you that it was 150% worth the "breakdown" to see the "beauty" that I'm seeing here in Denmark. The pain and the things I had to give up is only a small fraction of the whole experience. And the thing that keeps me going is that the beauty I have to see is even greater as the year goes on.

This life we live is incredibly short. Its too short to not take any risks, its too short to say "I wish I could've done this or that, and its TOO SHORT to worry about how we will get through the "breakdown".

If there's one thing I want people to get from this blog, is that I'm not writing to just talk about Denmark. I mean that's 90% of my intention, but the other 10% is to motivate YOU to do what's on your heart... maybe its not the easiest thing, but it has so much beauty to it.

Im so happy I'm here in Denmark. I'm so happy that I have support from everyone back home, and I'm so happy I took this opportunity. Even though I will have many "breakdowns", I know that the beauty will be there... to build me up once again.

So PLEASE please, if you're reading this, know that life has to be so much more then what is priority, or what is easiest. Know that your dreams and your aspirations should be what's guiding your life, not your fear. Never let your fear of the "breakdown" keep you from your happiness. Know that, and I believe that you know the key to life, the key to happiness.

"It's never to late to be who ever you want to be.There is no time limit, start whenever you want.You can change or stay the same there are no rules.To this thing we can make the best or the worst of it.I hope you make the best of it.I hope you see things that stop you.I hope you feel things you never felt before.I hope you meet people with a different point of view.I hope you live a life your proud of and if you find that your not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."
-The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I just keep on learning!

2009-08-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here's what I learned here in Denmark after the first week:

-Teens are given A LOT more freedom
-You can be 16 to buy alcohol
-Its fashionable for guys to wear short shorts and to have spiky hair
-There can be a Dj playin in H & M while you shop
-Nothing here is "cheap"
-People in Copenhagen are very friendly/talkative... especially when they hear "tourist"
-Bikes are everywhere you go
-Nudity isn't looked upon as a big deal

*Hyggelit is EVERYWHERE*

Also,

-I saw drugs for the first time in my life: AKA Christiana, the "hippie" community
-Bargining is usless when they find out your a "tourist", as they say
-Grandmas (no matter where in the world) will always, ALWAYS over feed you
-Danish coffee, elderflower drink, and scandanvian cider is AMAZING!
-I want danish birthday cake everyday of my life
-No matter where I go, people assume I'm German even before I speak
-A smile can subside for not speaking the language
-I want to live in a straw roofed danish home
-Always say "yes" (unless its one of the four d's) on your exchange

Its already been one week in Denmark. I'm still in the "confusion stage", but Im learning quickly what life is like here. Soon I will be speaking the language, and going to Virum Gymnasium! I'm excited to make good friends and to learn more as my journey continues on.

Time for bed. I love you all at home, and I appreciate your support.
Hej Hej
Kys,
Meggs =)

Sightseeing in Copenhagen and Odense!

2009-08-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

ODENSE (H.C ANDERSEN HUS OG FYNSKE LANDSBY)

^ Catching up with some "old" friends, hahaha I love it!

^ Danish flag in the background!

^ Doing dishes with my friend here ;)

^ Hahahaa I fit in well don't I?

^Den Fynske Landsby, stable

^ My host mom Kirsten and I before an H.C Andersen play!

^Den Fynske Landsby, windmill

^ The Ugly Ducking... how sad! =(

^ The room H.C was born in

^ H.C Andersen

^ Hehehe

^ Anne Cat. and I haha

^ Me in front of H.C Andesen hus

^ H.C Andersen and I chilling

COPENHAGEN (ONLY a Few Pictures... too many too choose from!)

^ The Queen's Castle

^ The (back of) Little Mermaid

^ Newhavn! Its so danish, I love it!

^ Anne Catherine and I (Sorry Haley!) at Round Tower

^ View from the Round Tower

Yep =)

2009-08-04T03:45:00.001-07:00

So I've been in Denmark for about 4 days, here's some things I REALLY love, and some things I really miss about the United States:

I love that/in Denmark...
-Has easy ways of getting around (bike, train, bus, walk, and of course car)
-Everyone is so generous when they hear your an exchange student
-You can leave your window open at night, wide open
-The area I'm in is very wooded, so walks are nice
-Shopping malls with everything imaginable is just around the corner
-Their food is really healthy
-Even the guys are fashionable
-People speak multiple languages, most speak about 3
-EVERYONE has an adorable bike, I enjoy using
-Teens have a bit more freedom
-Sweden is a bridge away, and Germany is 3 hrs away
-Everything is so old
-Some houses have straw roofs
-The feeling of "hyggeglit" is abundant no matter where you go =)

I miss that/in the United States:
-Going to Caribou Coffee and ordering a medium caramel highrise
-Everything is less expensive, like gas and clothes
-Not being so busy, and being able to relax
-My family
-My friends
-My grandparents' cabin
-Cuddling with my cat Little =(
-My home
-Whats familiar to me

So basically I love everything about Denmark, its just that I still miss alot of things about the United States, that you would expect, like my family and what is familiar to me.
I think it'll take sometime for me to get used to everything, but I'm surely learning what it means to be away from family. And sometimes its hard and sometimes its not.

As long as I stay off of skype video chat I don't feel the tears coming anymore. Email and instant chat are best for me at what stage I'm at.

The chart that Rotary shows you at the training sessions is EXACTLY where I'm at now. Im like at the top of the chart. Since everything is so new to me and since I'm trying to soak everything in, why wouldn't you expect me to be at that emotional high?

I have hope things will get better, and I know they will, I just need to learn and live the danish lifestyle and I believe soon, I will be a dane. Still an American of course, but with a little less German in me (hahaha I hope) =))

Vi ses mine venner, hej hej =)
Megan

P.S
Hej Hej, IS NOT HI HI! Its like bye bye, haha cute huh?
Ok shalom!

Billider fra Danmark =)

2009-08-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

The goodbyes =(

Today was the day

2009-08-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

July 31st- Aug. 1st was one of the most difficult and exciting day I've ever endured.
Here's a recap play by play...

At 1:00 Megan, Kaitlin, and Kathleen came over to say "Vi ses", and we planned for it to be a fun party, minus th sad stuff. However, it was devestating to say goodbye to my friends for a year. Especially because they're my main support system, my influential friends.
Being the amazing friends they are, they made the most amazing gifts I could ask for, with the help of everyone involved (THANKS EVERYONE, IT WAS AMAZING!). It truly, TRULY will help me get through the tough stuff here in Denmark.

Nearing about 5:00 I knew it was time to say goodbye to them for good, thus came the tears. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but we managed to get it all done withing 15 mins.

Then came the hard part... the airport. Luckily IcelandAir was being ever so gracious on everything ranging from bypassing overweights bags to allowing my whole family to come to my gate, it helped a TON!

After we spent some quality time together, laughing, and doing everthing but facing the reality of me leaving for a year. Until they called my row, then the tears flew out. It was so hard not to just throw down my bags and say "I DON'T WANNA DO THIS ANYMORE!!". But I didn't, I sobbed all the way to my seat and even more before the plane took off... until.

#1 Lesson taught in being an exchange student BE FLEXIBLE!

The flight attendent tapped me and said, please can you move so this boy can sleep? Of couse I listened and had no issue with it. However, Icelandic accents are SUPER HEAVY and you cant totally understand their english... so when she was saying 25A it sounded like 28. I was already in tears, I sure thought this would do it! But luckily I found my spot, and I sat next to a teen boy about my age headed to Norway to go see his older brother. After that convo. I put on my iPod so I could clear my mind. And I read the inspirational letters Kathleen, Megan, and Kaitlin came up with, it gave me so much strength, I encourage it for future exchanges.
And from then on I didn't talk or think of anything... but getting off the plane to get to Iceland FINALLY!

As the flight was dissmissing its passengers, the boy's father said to me "I'm also apart of Rotary International! May I ask where your going for a year?". Well thank the Lord he was there, he helped me through security and I got my troll from the gift shop in time to be waiting at my gate.

However, when I got to my gate, it was not open, it was completly closed off! So like usual I freak out wondering if I'm going to miss my flight. So I thought I would ask a lady, I noticed she was speaking danish so I said... "Unskyld mig, do you know if this is the right gate to Copenhagen?" and I show her my ticket. She IMMEDEATLY backs off like I have the plauge or something, grabs her kid, and says I don't understand!!!

After that occurance, I went over to the desk and asked, and low and behold it was right. So I go sit back down and I start talking to an elderly couple, who happen to be from Minnesota and the were headed on the same flight. So we began talking, which greatly calmed my nerves. And then together we borded the plane and I managed to be one of the firsts on board. However rule #1 came up again...ANOTHER kid wanted to sleep in my spot, so I was moved to a middle seat between a man who smelt like vodka/cigarettes and a lady who always had her back turned to me, let alone a woman in front of me who would recline her chair back into my lap! It was a miserable 3 hr. flight.

But it was like heaven when I saw those windmills swaying in the wind upon my landing, I couldn't help but to tear up. I was FINALLY in Denmark, after 9 months of preparing. I was there.

It was all smiles until I got off the plane and had NOOO idea where to go, so I walked around aimlessly until a lady came up to me and said... I WAS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT BACK IN 2000! I live her now with my danish husband, so we exchanged emails and she showed me where to be. And right by the baggage claim waited a rotary member, and I was instantly at ease.

So we got our baggage, and went through a mosh pit of people to fin my counselor and of course my beautiful family! I saw Henrik screaming for me, and I ran to him and gave him a hug... I couldn't have been more happier then to see a familiar face! It was great, and following I say Kirsten, Mads Emil, and Anne Catherine. After lots of hugs and pictures (tak henrik), we made it out to the car, and drove through Copenhagen.

The night followed like this:
-Traditional danish open sandwiches
-?'S on what the expect of me
-A walk with Sophus, the dog,
-A tour of their local church built in 1500's
-Long convos with Anne Catherine
-Unpacking
-Lasagna dinner
-Gift giving
-BEDDD!

Its been a journey so far, I miss home very very very much. I wish I could see Sam, Mom, Dad, and Little in person again, but I know it will only make things worse.

I LOVE Denmark, I love the food, I love the straw roofed houses, and I love my host family.
However, being an exchange student isn't easy by any means, BUT the reward will come in the end. I learned today to focus on the positives, and bypass the negatives.

I'm so tired, I've been up for like a day, so I will finish it later. Haha VI SES, To all at home I love you!

"A jouney of a thousand miles begins with a single step"-Confucius

2009-07-06T01:51:00.000-07:00

So this is officially my first blog! *Applause*
Ha ha, okay so bear with me, I am not exactly sure how this works =/

Confucius has a wonderful point doesn't he? One single step huh?
So its only fair that I explain to you how this journey of a thousand miles (to Denmark) began(my single step)
Here it goes....

One day, as I was strategically dodging my Spanish teacher from calling on me to say something with much enthusiasm in spanish and with a solid accent (which may I add, I strongly lack), the clock struck 10 minutes before the hour ended. Praise Jesus. So anyways, my teacher noted something important. A presentation she had to make about an exchange program.

Instantly, I relaxed, knowing I could finally sit up straight, and not be cowering behind the student in front of me!

She told us to get a piece of notebook paper out and to take some notes on what she was going to say... and what she said drastically caught my attention.

She explained to us, what Rotary Youth Exchange was, and of the possible countries. I was really intrigued by the idea of being an exchange student, however, when I found out it was for a whole year I was kinda repulsed by the idea. Until she began speaking about the advantages, which significantly outweighed the disadvantages. And when my teacher was done with her speech, (I swear on my guinea pig's grave) she was looking RIGHT at me, and she said, "You will always remember this day as the one that changed your life forever"

Guess what?
It did.

I was one of 10 people who took out an application
And I was the ONLY one at Coon Rapids High School to have turned one in.
I passed the GPA requirements
Went on through the the local club interview, and was passed through to the state/district interview.

I was incredibly nervous. But I made it through to all my interviews, and sessions.
Then it was the moment of truth: What country would I be going to?

Luckily, Rotary is the best, so they set up a country fair of all the potential host countries.
Even before I walked into the gym I knew my # 1 choice, and that was Italy, my lifelong dream.

My dad, being a full blooded German, wanted me to go to Germany or Austria. But I guess I just had different plans for myself =)

Somehow, the crazy, full of life, country of Brazil ended up as #3

Still #2 left blank

I ruled out countries like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan because they are highly educated, and I didn't feel like I could keep up, especially with the language!
I was almost sold on S. Korea however, the exchange student was a doll, and she advertised her country beautifully!

But I knew my heart was set on one thing, and that is my love of Europe, and my love of people.

I was previously interested in the Faroe Islands because of the beautiful scenery, but tourist websites can be deceiving; they showed little pictures of their winters.

And for those who aren't aware. The Faroe Islands are apart of Denmark.

So for the fair, they placed the islands and Denmark together. Instantly I was drawn to the Denmark board, it had a newspaper article titled, "The happiest people on Earth".
I kinda laughed to myself, because why wouldn't it be the Italians? French? Or maybe even the Americans, I mean we have a lot of the luxury don't we? Hollywood? Ancient Artwork? Award winning food?

So once I began talking to the student from Denmark (who now is a good friend), I began falling in love with this "hyggeligt" kind of attitude, and their free sense of personality. it began to make more and more sense to me as we got deeper into conversation. And they had something I wanted, what we all want, happiness! Plus, all the danes I've gotten to know have a very "chill" personality, and the little things rarely seem to bother them. And if you know me, I'm the polar opposite of that personality! Haha I hope to acquire that trait within my year abroad!

Long story short, my list ended up like this

#1 Italy
#2 Denmark
#3 Brazil
#4 Spain
#5 New Zealand

I got my letter 3 days before Christmas that said
"We are happy to inform you that you are tentatively assigned to, Denmark"

Thus began my journey of a thousand miles!

At first I was disappointed that I didn't get Italy because come on, who wouldn't?
But Italy is lacking a huge aspect, that Denmark so abundantly has
And that's a population of the happiest people on earth.
How could I say no to that?

As I'm ripping out my heart, and posting it on the Internet, only one thing comes across to me. Is that I'm leaving in 3 weeks. And this story keeps me going, and knowing that its not by my hands, but by the hand of God that I'm going to Denmark.

I'm not saying its going to be a field of butterflies and roses, but I know that this experience will make me stronger, and that I will get to experience life outside of my own country. It is still life however, but its the moments in which we have to be strong, that we gain strength.

Tak, Thanks, for all those who are supporting me. All 4 of my beautiful host families, Henrik Mikkelsen, Lynn Keillor, my parents, my sister, my grandparents, Taylor, Megan, Kathleen , Kaitlin, Courtney, Karina, my youth group, Bob and Brigitte, and of course Rotary.

Most of all, praise be to Jesus. He is my strength, and he is the one who's lead me on my journey of a thousand miles. How I decided to take the first step, was a miracle.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11