Soon I’ll be leaving for Milan, a city full of beauty, where I’ll spend the next eight months in a new environment, working for a meaningful cause. In my heart, this step feels deeply right. Over the summer, I’ve been slowly preparing: packing my life and making my small home ready for new people.

Leaving for this journey feels safe, because I know I carry my home within me. I feel a strong sense of trust in what’s ahead, even though I can’t truly know what this journey will bring. I’ve heard about the richness of Italian culture and tasted Italian food, but the thought that Milan will be my home for the next eight months feels both exciting and a little surreal.

So, what am I hoping for from this ESC project and from Milan?
I can’t wait to improve my language skills, both in English and Italian. I’m excited for the people I’ll meet along the way. I’m looking forward to reading books in beautiful parks, starting my mornings with espresso- just like I do now -and learning new things about myself.

Sometimes I wonder what really gives me a sense of safety when I set out on a journey. What makes me feel at home and confident enough to leave behind my home, friends, and family? The truth is, it’s my dear friends whom I met a year ago during an ESC project in Poland, where I spent two months. Now I finally get to meet them again, and that gives me so much confidence to leave. Knowing that someone is already there brings me comfort. Whatever may come my way, I know I’ll have people around me that I can trust.

When I think back to that time a year ago, I was in the same situation: a new country, a new city, new people. And now, I have deep friendships all around Europe, which touches me deeply. I feel incredibly grateful for these encounters. They are a gift, a richness in my life. And I know I will meet many new friends as well. I keep coming back to the same conclusion: I trust that everything will unfold just as it should. I’ll get to experience life, a new culture, and reconnect with myself. Is there anything more beautiful than that? And at the same time, I’ll be surrounded by beauty.

Am I ready for this adventure?
I can only trust and because I trust, I am ready to face my own challenges and also to discover so much new in my heart. I hope for meaningful encounters along the way.

My mind and heart are open.
It’s hard to imagine what this journey might bring. But maybe it’s beautiful not to have too many expectations or wishes. This way, I can stay present and welcome everything that comes, even the difficult parts.

I’m sure this journey will teach me something important.

whit love,

Emmi