Wingate Academics - International Blog

Farewell to Denmark

Posted by: Hope on May 19, 2008

Final Farewells

Hello again for the last time! My name is Hope Gilley and I am a rising senior at Wingate University. I have been studying in Copenhagen, Denmark for the past four months and now it is finally at an end.

By this point most of my newly found friends have left as I have decided to stay a couple of more days to spend with my host family and avoid rushing my goodbyes. After finals had finally finished, the feeling of excitement was blended with the sadness that is brought upon by all farewells.

I participated in my last service at the International Church of Copenhagen (ICC), the church that I have faithfully attended all semester. My church family has been all too gracious in accepting me for this short period of time, and for that I am eternally grateful. I was sent away from with a special blessing and God speed.

My time in Denmark once seemed long, but it now seems as though it has only lasted the blink of an eye. I am leaving tomorrow and shall return to a most loving family; however, I know that I am also leaving one as well. Seeing the boys (Christoffer and Sebastian) go to bed for the last time is heartbreaking; for I know that the next time I see them, they will not be these two little boys as they will continue to grow into fine young men as time stops for no one. To leave my new family and friends in Hedehusene is painful, but then I remember all of the great people I left behind.

My farewells have included my friends made here in Denmark and my wonderful family! I am going to miss so much of Denmark but I know that I will bring some of its culture back with me and will always have this semester forever in my heart. Here are just some of the things that I am going to miss about Denmark:

· Transportation (trains, buses, metro, etc.)

· All of the Bikes! There is seriously no need to drive everywhere.

· The Security of the Welfare State

· Almost always eating a home cooked meal…7 days a week, without dining out.

· The sense of carelessness and flexibility

· Danish Language

· The monopoly-looking money

· Nightlife with my friends

· Being able to take trips around Europe

· Wearing just about anything…whether it matches or not

· The feeling of little expectation and contentment

· Helping Tina weed the garden/yard

· Time

Although this is only a small list, I am sure that I will not be able to fully appreciate Denmark until I have left it. However, I feel as though I should explain my last point. When I first came to Denmark, I almost went crazy because I had so much time on my hands. I have learned this semester to enjoy my time and to simply enjoy life. I know that when I return to the States, my time will quickly fill up and the time that I now enjoy will begin to feel like a whirlwind again.

When I first thought of studying abroad, I could never have imagined Denmark; mainly because it is such a small country and not many people even know where it located on a map. After living here for four months, I do not think I could have seen myself any other place.

I think “change” is a word that can describe my semester in Denmark. I left my comfortable bubble and turned my world upside down. I moved to culture I had little idea of and made this wonderful country my home for four months. I know that I have changed and I know that it has been for the better. I have no regrets about this semester and am so thankful for this experience. Denmark will forever be a part of me and I cannot wait until I come back again; so I shall not say “Farewell,” instead “I’ll be seeing you!”

Thanks to all who have kept up with me and experienced my stories right along with me! I cannot tell you what it means to have heard from so many of you about my blogs. Thanks again!