Zdravo from Zagreb!

I'm here! I just made it in about 2 hours ago and already I am feeling the weight of jet lag. You would think I would get used to this after Rwanda but jet lag still floors me to this day. Our group is supposed to be walking around the city this evening but I almost feel like I need some down time so I can sleep off the day and be prepared for day 1 of orientation in the morning.

I want to share a story with you that warmed my heart while I was in the Frankfurt airport. It was about 6am and I was exhausted and probably didn't look very sane. A man came up to me and asked me where I was going. When I answered Zagreb, his eyes lit up and he said to me, "Would you mind if I asked you a favor?" A little concerned, I replied, "Maybe?" and he grinned. He had been traveling for a very long time and had been away from his wife. For Valentine's Day, they were finally going to meet up in Switzerland so they could be together for the holiday. He had created this plan where he was going to ask random people who were going to be in all different countries around the world to send Valentine's cards with a message pre-prepared by him to his wife at the hotel for Valentine's Day. He turned to me and asked if I would do this for him. I was speechless. The love and dedication this man had for the love of his life warmed my heart and I immediately said "Of course I will!" He was so thankful and said how sweet and kind I was and went on his way, leaving me with a blank card and a small message- "Julie- Hugs and kisses on Valentine's Day". That's all. One simple sentence. This five minute interaction with a complete stranger made my day.

Well, I need to find a place where I can exchange my American money for kunas (Croatian currency) and somehow find some time where I can unwind a little. I'm currently staying in a youth hostel, sharing a room with three of my fellow study abroad students. I have pictures of Rwanda with me to remind myself to have strength and keep my head up high. It's times like these when my self-confidence tends to waver. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is where I want to be. This is where I'm meant to be.

I miss and love all of you and beg you to send letters, e-mails, facebook posts, whatever you have time for. I promise to get back to you as soon as humanly possible. You all have a special place in my heart. :-)