Hello Portugal!

"7 February 2023"

After a long struggle and pursuing my dreams of living abroad, I am finally starting to see the positive results. After a stressful and effortful six months, I have made it to Portugal. The Portuguese Red

Cross will provide me with some rest and practical experience after the three years, following my adventure with the Turkish Red Crescent.

I have been experiencing mixed feelings for the past two days. At this point, I have given up my familiar way of life. The house I will be staying in is quite dirty, and I spent all day doing cleaning, something I have never done before in my life. Just as I was feeling relieved, the electricity went out. The heaters did not work, I couldn't cook, the refrigerator stopped working, the internet

went out, and I couldn't even take a shower. I started questioning my decisions and wanted to express my concerns, but most people here do not speak English, making communication difficult.

Right now, I am in the town square of Sao Joao Da Madeira, at a place called Cafe Concerto, waiting for a solution for my housing situation. I am drinking coffee that I have been wanting to have for the past two days and eating "Pastel de Nata," a traditional Portuguese pastry. I couldn't find a French Press anywhere as I learned that it is not a part of the culture here. I also don't have a kettle yet, so I couldn't make tea or coffee. Not knowing the language, being unable to express myself, and not being able to fulfill a simple request such as having coffee has significantly decreased my motivation over the past two days.

However, there comes a moment when I tell myself, "Elif, you have come this far, don't let your motivation down, try to adapt to your new life, and become even stronger." This is a process, and everything will work out. Enjoy the process.