Today marks halfway through the semester!  With that, I figured I'd share some long-overdue observations I've made throughout the last seven weeks.

1. Language.  First, Lithuanian is challenging!  There are no articles.  I tried to order a pastry a few weeks ago and I panicked and began speaking French.  It's weird, because I'd be better off speaking English.  It is reassuring to know that I can still pull French out after three years without classes, especially for my travel in May.  Second, Europeans will often switch between languages in conversation.  I find it interesting.
2. Culture.  Europeans tend to have pride in traditions, especially those related to independence.  In a paper I wrote for a class, I explored the idea of what freedom means.  We are far removed from our fight in the 1700s, but it's been less than 25 years for Lithuanians.  Independence Day is much more than a chance to party.  I feel so lucky to be here for both Independence Days (Feb. 16 & March 11) and Užgavėnės (burning away winter).  It's a privilege to learn what they mean and to be able to participate in the celebration!
3. Drinks.  People don't really drink water here.  There are no water fountains, either.  It's challenging to remember to consume enough water each day.  Plus I drink so much tea that I often don't crave water.  Tea is also the suggested cure for everything.
4. Food.  The food here is good, affordable, and fresh!  Many expiration dates, especially those for dairy products and bread, are within a few days of purchase.  I like the food quality.  I don't think I've had a single food-headache since arrival!
5. Coffee shops.  There are coffee shops everywhere in town, and it's wonderful to grab a hot drink and chat with friends or do homework for a few hours in a different environment.
6. LCC.  The students here are quite westernized.  Contrary to the general public, students exchange nods of acknowledgement, smiles, or even greetings as they pass.  Even with me, a stranger!  I was caught off guard at first, wondering if there was someone behind me that was being acknowledged.  But I've come to love it and smile at people I pass.
7. Community.  I love that some professors live on campus, in the same buildings as students.  LCC is such a close-knit family of faculty and students.  Even tonight, I ended up playing hide-and-seek with a professor and his two daughters!  In my mind, this would never happen at Messiah, no matter how close students and professors are.  Lives are so intertwined here, and it's pretty great.  With a new outlook, my relationships may change when I return....
8. Simplicity.  Life seems simpler here.  People are not so absorbed in school that they cannot enjoy themselves.  For me, it's quite a bit of relief to step back and reevaluate life now that it does not revolve around me but rather around Lithuanians and around the headaches that I cannot control.  It's a struggle, but will definitely prove a good growing experience on the other side.  Also, I realize that I'm living off a suitcase and a half for 4 months...why do I need numerous boxes of stuff that I don't use while at Messiah?
9. Exercise.  When I run outside, I sometimes get weird looks because it's not a normal sight.  But it certainly beats treadmills and is a wonderful way to explore Klaipeda!
10. Care giving.  People here are extremely caring if I let them in!  When I scraped my knee pretty badly last night, I had some wonderful ladies caring for me as they disinfected the wound and patched me up.  It's so nice to have some mom-like figures here, especially in my times of deep struggle.  I realized that I'm allowing people to share in my heart this semester, even though I may never see some of them again in two months.  I will be leaving part of my heart behind for sure.  But I've moved past that concern and now realize that the relationships are important, and the sorrow will not last.  I can deal with that later.  I'd rather make lifelong friends now than waste this opportunity for fear of emotions in May.  There's always skype!

Headache update
Unfortunately, I'm still struggling with these headaches.  Last Friday and Saturday I remained headache-free!  But Sunday they returned with a vengeance.  I have been in considerable pain this week.

I visited a neurologist yesterday, and I was told that I'm suffering from tension in my neck and shoulders as a result of poor posture while using my computer.  Oh, the joys of being a student.  The muscles are squeezing a nerve that goes to my forehead.  I have new medicine; I'm not quite sure how it's supposed to help, but at this point I'll try anything.  I have 10 days worth of meds, so we'll know by spring break if I improve.  I'm desperately praying that I can enjoy our time in Russia....

Today I was feeling extremely drowsy--likely a side effect of the meds.  I ended up skipping my second class because of how lightheaded I felt and my inability to focus my eyes.  I slept.  It was needed.  Because of how much I've been sleeping today, the headache has not been unbearable.  But all this sleeping comes at an inconvenient time, with midterms and papers due next week.  Hopefully my body can adjust quickly!

I've been learning so much this month, especially through these headaches.  Please contact me if you want to read more about what I've been learning and how I've been seeking God through this journey.  I would love to share!

According to my time, it's appropriate to say this:
спокойной ночи (good night!)

Until next week!