For nearly 2 months, I have been living the life of an au pair in Murcia, Spain. I feel like I have eased into my new life without problems. Every once in a while I sit down and remember where I am. Spain?! When and how did I decide to move here?
It was just over a year ago that I began looking into different Spanish courses offered in Wichita, KS. I knew I wanted to learn the language but didn't know where to start. I decided in September of 2011 that the easiest and quickest way to learn Spanish would be to immerse myself in the language. Great idea, eh? Great idea minus the fact that I have a mortgage payment due monthly and it's not likely that work will keep my position open for me upon my return to KS. So, selling my house, quitting my job and moving to Mexico or Spain is the best plan I've got. But, the 'crazy' part of this idea freaked me out a little and I didn't do any further research on my decision, until...May 31, 2012.
A Facebook status by my friend Kat tells me of an opportunity to move to Spain. I didn't hesitate for even a minute to message Kat that this opportunity had my name all over it! In April, I had put my home on the market. I had been in desperate need of a change and I was waiting for a contract on my house and a job offer somewhere other than Kansas. I had been praying that I would be easily led down the right path. Looking back, I don't think my answer could have been any more clear. May 31st: message on Facebook. June 1st: contract on my house!
Every part of the moving/selling process went almost too smoothly (except for the fact that moving is a major pain!). On July 16, I moved out of my KS home. Shortly thereafter, I gave my 2 weeks notice at my job, and on August 3rd, I went to work as a nurse for the last time until only God knows when :) I enjoyed the month of August so much. I didn't have to do anything. I spent a lot of time hanging out with family and friends. (seemed like I never had time before) I boarded my plane for Spain on a Tuesday morning (September 5). My goal: learn Spanish. My return date: 100% undetermined. They always say to dream big. I did, but never in my wildest dreams thought I'd actually be here in Spain, living my dream! I don't take a single day for granted.
Cathedral square in downtown Murcia:
Yes, there is much fruit in Spain! These here are "higos"-one of my favorites!
It's common for families here to have a home in the city and one on the beach. Murcia gets very hot in the summer, and families frequently live in their beach house for the entire summer. I arrived in September, but have still been able to enjoy much fun in the sun! This beach is Mazarron (the view is from the top of the local church)
