Spring, Care Packages, and Health Care

I think it's safe to say that spring has officially arrived in Prague. Now, it might get cold here and there in the upcoming weeks, but I think that in general, we're headed towards sunshine, warmth, birds, and short sleeves. I love it. The windows were open all day long at the office where I intern, and every once in a while, I would just stop, close my eyes, and let myself soak up the sun that was pouring all over my desk. Just as I thought it would, Prague looks gorgeous in the springtime. The fresh sunshine glints off of the red roofs, and the river no longer looks dull and gray, but rather shimmering and clear.

I spent the last weekend catching up on and also working ahead on my homework, so that I can continue traveling on the weekends worry-free. It was nice to sleep in, and since everyone I know seems to be getting sick (including my roommate), I was worried that if I didn't take care of myself, I'd also get sick. Plus, who doesn't like getting extra sleep sometimes? ;-) It's strange, because while I only have about 8 weeks left in Prague, I get this feeling sometimes that this, what I'm doing now, is my life. That this is how things will continue indefinitely, with me living here in Prague and traveling around and meeting new people and going to school and interning. It's kind of unsettling to realize that everything I've now come to know will be gone before I even know it! The memories will definitely never be forgotten, as this trip has been life-changing. However, I think that the realization that my time here is short fends off most homesickness and loneliness. That doesn't mean I'm immune to all homesickness though, trust me. It just makes it easier to deal with it if it does hit. Having a boyfriend back home makes a big difference, I think, because no matter how amazing things are here, I am always aware that my best friend and other half isn't there to share in these experiences. On the other hand, the feelings of pride and independence that I get when I realize that I moved to another country and have not only survived, but am prospering and happy, are exciting. But for the record, this time abroad has reminded me more than anything else has before that Brian is my soul-mate. We are learning how to communicate so much better, and we have dealt with the issues of being apart, and while we're not back together yet, I am 100% confident that we're going to get through the second half of my study abroad just fine. When you really want to be with someone, you'll do what it takes to make things work :-)

Just yesterday, I got a care package from my mom and sisters, and it was packed with Easter candy and notes from my family. When I opened the box, I felt as though a whiff of home came right into my apartment. It was exciting to get a package, and promptly ate all of the candy that was in the box within 24 hours (okay, there wasn't THAT much candy in there, don't get any ideas about me being a totally greedy eater!). Brian just mailed out a package yesterday, and two of my friends also sent one this week, so I am eagerly looking forward to receiving those. To have something that you can physically hold on to and touch is a big deal when you're away from home! Don't get me wrong though, I have loved all of the sweet and wonderful messages that I've gotten online =) I honestly feel so incredibly blessed, because I am so happy here, BUT I also have a wonderful life to return to back home with amazing family, friends, and boyfriend. Not everyone can say that, and I realize that, so I am very thankful!

It's interesting to hear news about the U.S. while I am away, and of course, the biggest news right now is the passing of the health care bill. Most Czech people that hear the news are just surprised that it took the U.S. so long to pass such a bill, since even they have universal health care like most developed nations. I am very torn on the subject of this bill, to be honest. I see the fear of "the spread of socialism" as over-the-top in many respects, because to be honest folks, the government has long had control of many aspects of society, and the recent changes in our government doesn't mean that we are suddenly slipping towards the edge of socialist oblivion. Many people also ignorantly associate socialism with Communism, which, simply put, represents a lack of understanding of what socialism and Communism really are. However, I also disagree with many aspects of the bill. What really embarrasses me, though, is the way people are behaving about this. Why is it acceptable for members of either side of this argument to personally attack people for what they believe in? It doesn't make me less of a Christian because I don't wholeheartedly back this bill; yes, Jesus said to care for the poor and suffering, but did Jesus say that the only way to care for such people is by offering them universal health care? I thought not. And why is someone not a Christian if they support this bill? Christianity is now based on your political beliefs, and your political beliefs determine your Christianity? How sad. It's true that we are known by who we associate with, but in today's political world especially, there is a stark difference between the political ideologies of a party and the people that run that party. My point is this: realize what your words are doing. The U.S. is strong because we are allowed to hold different beliefs and ideologies, and in order for that system to continue, we need to respect others. That doesn't mean that we have to stop trying to talk to others about what we believe in and teach others about what we feel is right and wrong, but remember that everything rests in how you spread your message.