Thanksgiving Thankfulness

(This was set to automatically publish but didn't, so my apologies. Please enjoy my week's late post!)

Of course, there are so many people to thank, the list would go on forever. You may be mentioned, you may not, but everyone has a special place in my heart and means something to me. If I ever met you and ever got to know you, then you are also someone I have to thank.

Firstly I thank God. I don't consider myself strictly religious. I do have a strong faith and stand strong next to the things I believe in. Clearly, there is a higher force governing my life and watching out for me. I thank that the highest, most powerful governing force...

I have so many people to thank and so many things I'm thankful for. Without Rachel, I wouldn't have been able to come to Germany. She was the one to encourage me to take the scholarship opportunity. She gave me the confidence I needed to even apply because we both knew it was extremely competitive.

I thank CBYX and the people who fund, run, and ensure the existence of the organization. I'm so thankful for AFS. It's a well-organized and strong standing organization. I'm thankful for the host family that so graciously allowed me to stay in their home for the duration of the program. They've had so much patience with me and truly care for my well-being. I'm happy to know them and to get to know them for the rest of my time here in Germany.

I'm thankful for my friends from the Leipzig chapter; Andrea, Ajda, Sunniva, Shota, and the newest addition, Anastasia. I'm happy that my language teacher works very hard to ensure that I learn German, plus Magdalene is so fun, nice, and even a little cool! I'm overjoyed to have a mentor here in Germany as well and that she is an American from such a cool place, Alaska! Eliza's kind, fun, and laid back. She may be the boss and watches over everyone to make sure they're following rules, but she also makes sure we're having a good time too.

I'm thankful that my school had the courage to allow a student that doesn't speak German into classes. I'm even happier that the students are excepting of me. I'm happy Judith's okay with me in her class. I'm glad to have finally made some friends who are willing to help me out and let me stick with them! I look forward to being great friends with the people I have met.

Back in the USA, I had many people who supported my travels. I'm thankful that my school back home is willing to work with me to ensure I apply to colleges on time, in the correct grade upon my return, and to help me out with all things academic. It was a huge sigh of relief knowing the folks back home were ready to help me out when I returned.

I'm happy my family allowed me to come and leave the country for the year; My dad and my siblings, my mom, my stepdad, and my step-siblings. I miss them very much, and I know they're doing well. I am happy that my family and family friends supported me by funding my travels. It helped to make my stay here easier. I'm happy for all those, my mentor Ellen, my grandparents, the supportive collection of adults I love, my friends, and all of those who supported and encouraged me to go abroad.

I'm thankful to have been able to even partake in this adventure. I look forward to the growth I know I'm doing. I look forward to seeing all the things I worked hard on to pay off. I have no idea what the rest of the year shall bring. I know I'm happy and thankful now, and that's what really matters. I shall continue to remain humble and grateful, for this experience is beautiful and shall be amazing, and I shall remember just that.

So this holiday, I encourage you to remember what it is you're thankful for. I ask that you reflect on the better side of life and thank those you are thankful for. Share in more sweet memories and happiness. You DONT live once. You live EVERY DAY. You die once. Ensure before that day comes, you live exactly the way you are intended to. I also challenge you to give this season. I ask that you give the best way you can in any way you can. For help, start here or here.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and spread the love!

An Interesting Weekend

My weekend actually begins on Friday the 14th. After being sent home early from school (yes), I began to prepare for the guest I was expecting that evening. We, my friends from the Leipzig language course (Andrea, Sunniva, Ajda, and two German girls who were friends of Andrea), we're planning to attend a "Disko" in Leipzig which began at 10 pm. The lovely Erasmus party was held in a gorgeous club.

But back to the preparations; I had spent all of Friday evening preparing "American Breakfast." It was to the disappointment of my host father when he found that pancakes were not on the menu. And for all my American readers who are shocked, I had cooked breakfast once in the past and made pancakes. I figured I'd make french toast bake, egg casserole, fruit salad, and bacon, change it up a little bit. The bacon, therefore, made the breakfast American. I also set up the guest room and went over all the details for the weekend.

We had such high hopes, and unfortunately, they were not met. We were told countless times to not drink, not to smoke, do drugs, this-that-this, things I knew better to do and had no interest in doing. My main hope was to dance and have fun, but..... Once we were carded at the door, paid our 5€ entrance fee, and walked around, we realized we were the first people to arrive. Of course, there were countless workers, but partiers had yet to arrive. They didn't do so until we had to leave, which was at 11:40. There was a plus side. We had a 3 story beautiful club to ourselves. The music was great. The way too expensive bars looked nice. We didn't do anything we weren't supposed to do. We had no opportunity anyway. But it was nice. I had a great time with my girls and always enjoyed going out with them. We danced and yelled at the music. 

It was the first time in a long time I felt my age, 16. I must admit I felt foolish. Having spent the entire week planning to party and dance to then find no one in the club, it's strange, weird. It's just like a teen trying to find something they shouldn't get into, to get nothing they wanted or hoped for, just like a lost tourist trying to find good nightlife, getting everything wrong. Like all things, you learn, except loss, and move on. 

Saturday was a smooth day. Breakfast was awesome, and my host family ate all the leftovers. My two friends who spent the night had a wonderful time, mission accomplished! That evening we took the train to Leipzig, where we waited around for the train to take us home. I had decided to crash the night at Sunniva's guest home. That night we went to a community show. There was dancing, plays and they even cleared the stage away for a dance floor. We danced with her host mom. It wasn't a get wild party, but nonetheless very fun. 

Looking back, the past weekend has been one of the more interesting weekends I've had. It's always refreshing to see the other students abroad and talk with them. They are the only people who could understand and relate to what it is I'm facing and feeling. It's also really good that we all get along well. We're always laughing, helping, smiling, listening. I'm content to have these 5 international friends for life. It's so exciting to know we have 8 more months to make more amazing memories. Don't worry, I'll be sure to share, so always read it then! 

BFAST PREP

IN THE CLUB

JAMMIES AND COOKING TIME

BFAST FIT FOR QUEENS

AJDA, ME, ANDREA, SUNNIVA
THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR!

A Party Weekend to Remember

(Published originally in 2014) Anyone who knows me well understands I work incredibly hard. Ever attempting to make plans with me is sometimes a feat in itself. I generally plan things very well in advance. Wanna grab a coffee? We'll see ya next month! There are those rare moments when I'm able to do something spontaneously, but all are often planned. From assignments to events, shows, and outings with friends. This weekend was planned, but what happened the last few nights were not!

JAZZHAUS DANCE CLUB 

(An annotation from 2018) As a former RA, in my sophomore year of college, things were incredibly stressful and intense. I would go for long periods of time without having much free time. I found I managed to give less and less time for myself to simply do nothing. Between bedtimes, school responsibilities, club commitments, and managing a floor as a second year, I was too pooed to ever do anything else.

My friends who went out with me Friday night reiterated that I could have fun, I could relax. I know it may be silly, but I was told to have fun. It required a lot of trust on my part to really let myself get into the festivities, and I'll cherish that forever. Learning how to have safe fun is important. It's very simple to work yourself to insanity, but it's more important to practice self-care. 

Beauty on the Mountaintop

(Posted originally in 2014!!) Monday, I went on a hike accompanied by my host father, sister, her two cousins, and their father. It was a lot of fun. And though we walked for what seemed like forever, we only walked 7 km. This mountain was extremely steep and had a lot of steps. It was also very beautiful and well worth the trek. At the top are breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and it wasn't just the wind taking your gasp of breath away. Though we had a few breaks walking up and down the mountain, we were all very winded walking up and up all the steep stairs. I was also pretty worried I wouldn't be able to keep up, but I was both surprised and happy that I kept a strong pace and was even in the lead a few times. 

When at the peak of the mountain, I was met with gratitude and bliss. I was overjoyed to be able to partake in my German adventure. It made me realize my travels were to be much like this mountain: steep, tiring, well worth it, and fun. I just have to be patient and willing to push and ask for a break. At the top of the mountain, looking at the great Elbe River and lovely towns, I couldn't help but smile. I wanted to emit that warm fuzzy feeling through my very being to be set free in the strong wind. So that maybe it was even able to reach you; can you feel the happiness!? Maybe that was the reason all those people kept looking at me, but I was happy to find that if I looked at them and smiled, they too would smile back. 

ELBE RIVER AND TOWN

STEEP PATHS AND ROCKY WALKWAYS

A RESTING STONE FOR WARY BONES

AT THE PEAK

THE BREATHTAKING VIEW 

A Week in Eifel

And by Eifel, I don't mean the tower; Eifel is a large region in the northern part of Europe shared between Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium. On Saturday 25th, we drove 7hours from Sachen to the border of Belgium, where we stayed in a vacation home next to the Our river (pronounced oar) on the German side. The Eifel is best known for all the Castes it holds and the many different hiking trails. It's very beautiful and scenic. Here are a few of my favorite days: 

Sunday

We went into Belgium to see a museum where there was a model train room with RC racers and other electronic car things. Upstairs was a sand sculpture exhibition which was very interesting. I also went to ride a rail bike on an old Belgian train track. Allow me to explain the rail bike, its like one of those multi-person bikes you see at the beach on a boardwalk, but it's a station on a train track. My host family and I took turns between two rail bikes to pedal. It only went but so fast, very exhausting work, but very fun too! I also tried a traditional Belgium waffle which is nothing like it tastes in the USA. It's dense with sugar chunks in it, but it's 100x better than the ones we have in the States! 

BELGIUM WAFFLE AND HOT KAKO

Tuesday

We went to Luxembourg to see some castles. The first was the largest I saw for the week. It was very old, very cool, and very cold; the Château de Vianden. They had the castle sectioned off, so you couldn't go exploring just anywhere all on your own, which was what I wanted to do... And I didn't get to see a single old-style castle toilet, I really wanted to see one... and use one too! I even went into the restroom to see if the old-style toilet would be in there. 

CHATEAU DE VIANDEN

The second castle was renovated to be a war museum that displayed and discussed Luxembourg's liberation from Germany through the help of the US. Two things that stood out, the candy bombers and the smiling mannequins. The candy bombers were the flight crew of the US who would drop candy-filled bags down to Luxembourg children in the promotion of peace. The mannequins, on the other hand, were all smiling in their wartime displays. I know I shouldn't be so critical, but to that mannequin solder behind the model of an old army car- "Wipe that smile off your face boy, this ain't happy-vill!" * in a Drill Sargent voice*

That night we also went to a German pool. It was amazing; a water slide, a cold pool, a warm pool, a bubbling laying area, complimentary recreation pool toys, lap pool, diving, and a deep end section, play pool, kiddie pool, and my favorite, a steaming room! They also had a sauna and massage rooms in another section, but that cost extra.

Thursday

We went into Belgium again to a town to first look around. The cities here are smaller than what I'm used to, but they're nice and have a clean look to them. We went to a museum that had several random exhibits. The main exhibit was on WW2, but I liked the side exhibits better. One on how paper is made and old mills around the area, one on a traditional festival that takes place in the town, one on leather and an old leather mill in the area. After eating in a french style restaurant, we went to go into a cave. I don't recall if I have ever actually been inside a cave or not, but this cave was huge - Many different open spaces, tight corners. We even rode on the river inside the cave in canoes which was really cool.

IN AND AROUND TOWN

In between these days, we hiked the countryside. I would like to say that the Eifel is the hilliest place I have been to in my whole life! So hiking was actually a hike! We hiked for the whole day too. It was sooo tiring. Even though we walked shorter distances every time we hiked, it seemed to get more and more difficult! The first time we hiked 18k in total from the vacation home to see a castle. The next time we hiked 16k in total to what we were hoping was an open cafe, but it was closed, and I was heartbroken. The last time we hiked 12k to a small cave, but it was gated to stop people from going in. But of course, it was beautiful. 

It's Autumn here in Germany and being in the Eifel was amazing. I had so much fun, I loved that we did something different every day! Makes me look forward to the next place we'll be going to...

GOODBYE EIFEL

One Month Down

I've been in Germany for one whole month now. I've had so much fun and adventure in the little time I've been here. I had my up moments, my down moments, and plain ol' good times! Yeah, it's rained a little, but there's always a sun shining behind those clouds. I'm happy to say I'm settled into my host home and community; school and language classes are going well. This is a short blog to say that I haven't forgotten to write; it's just hard to find the time. So promise to keep reading, and I promise I'll keep writing! For now, please enjoy the photos of one of my favorite things to do, Apple Pressing! 

A SMALL PORTION OF APPLES COLLECTED

CLEANING AND CUTTING

THE GRINDER TO THE LEFT, THE PRESS TO THE RIGHT

Things Are Different: A Re-Cap of My Arrival Week

Saturday 6th

I arrived in Leipzig at 9 pm and took a train to Wurzen, where I was picked up by my host mother and her daughter. I was nervous in the car on the way to their home in Grimma. They live in a neighborhood with a population of 19 people. The home in which I'm living is 3km away from the next town. The family consists of two parents, both are general practitioners, and three children; the eldest boy, who is 18, the middle child, a girl who is 15, and the youngest girl, who is 12 - a very nice family. They have a large ''German Style Country Home'' complete with two large barns, cats, pigeons, rabbits, goats, and chickens. They have a large garden, lots of yard space, several fruit trees and bushes. I love my room; it's my own. There's a nice desk, big windows, a bookshelf, a small bed, and a cute rocking chair; I absolutely love it!

MY OWN ROOM!

Sunday 7th

I woke around 10 am, still very tired. I got settled into my room, dressed, and joined my host family downstairs outside to meet some guests. On Sunday, I met two family friends, my host grandparents, my host aunt, and her three kids, and the neighbors next door. I enjoyed a nice bike ride with Judith to go see the three horses her grandfather (opa) owns. We talked together for an hour, enjoying fresh apples and feeding the horses bread. That evening I ate a typical German dinner, cold cuts, spread, bread, fruits and veggies, and beverage. I slept with a lamp light on, and my stuffed elephant teddy closed for the second night in a row because I wasn’t used to sleeping alone, and I didn’t realize it would be so dark. I know……I’m a big baby. I was excited that night because I had decided in the morning to go to school (I should have rested).

Monday 8th

School was insane, so insane I fell asleep. I was exhausted, very lost, understood nothing, and very angry. Even though I am currently in my junior year here in Germany, I was placed in 10th grade with my host sister. That's not the issue. I'm upset because even when I learn the language, I will still be behind. The level on which they are learning is not only more advanced and very different, but the way they learn is different. I don't need to know German to see that clearly.

I take 14 different classes a week—seven 45min class periods with 8min breaks in between and two 25min breaks in a school day. I take Gym, Choir, Art, Theatre, Computer, and German Politics once a week. Astronomy, Math, Geography, German Literature, History, Chemistry, Spanish, and Religion are the other classes I take throughout the week.

After school, I attended a birthday party where I had coffee and homemade cake. I had to ride a bike to the party from Engelsdorf train station (I don't own a bike and therefore haven't ridden one in years; Very difficult because I had to re-familiarize myself with a bike upon my arrival here in Germany). Johann (his birthday and party) found it extremely funny; I was extremely embarrassed, having almost run into a busy street and not knowing how to properly break. 

Tuesday 9th

School was slightly better, still tired, if not more. I found out that Sport and Art are my favorite subjects. It is a shocker for me because I'm doing pretty well in both, which I haven't done so in years. My host family hosted two Japanese girls from Tuesday until Sunday. It was really neat. They couldn't speak German at all, and they barely spoke English. It was pretty interesting. They stayed in a room, in my room, if you could get that… and shared my bathroom. That night I slept in the dark, but my elephant was still close.

Wednesday 10th

I wake up on a regular school day at 6:20 am; school starts at 8 am in Wurzen, 14km away. By Wednesday, I was a walking shell, too tired to function. School was a blur. We had to walk from the station to school, which is a pretty hefty walk in the cold morning air. After school, when I reached home, I took a nap. The next day I played hooky.

Thursday 11th

And by hooky, I mean run errands; Myiah Smith playing hooky, can you imagine!? I did a few things Thursday, one of which was sleeping in. I also went to get my residents to permit but was told I needed to go into the big city to properly receive it. A task I must and still have to attend to. I also opened a bank account to avoid those costly international exchange fees. I went to a German market which is like a mini store filled with German thingies. Then I rode my bike (I have my own bike!) around with Sabine.

Friday 12th

I was lost in class once again; I know the topics of each class, but I'm just not learning anything. It's not that I don't want to. I just don't understand. Friday night was very fun. I went to the Japanese girls' brass band performance. Bands from 10 different countries came to perform. Of the four bands I heard that night The Japanese band was the best! I loved dancing with them, Ludwig and I enjoyed the music. As for Sabine, she didn't have as much fun as we did!

Saturday 13th

On Saturday I made everyone, except Judith :( an "All American Style Breakfast," which was really fun to do. I made pancakes, "American style bacon," and loaded scrambled eggs. It was really good, and everyone really enjoyed it. That afternoon Judith took me shopping because I had brought all the wrong attire here to Germany, plus I did NEED a few things. It was a lot of fun, and the first time I really shopped for myself; I also spent a solid 250€. Even though parting with the cash was difficult, it was well worth it. German malls are very nice, but you gotta pay for the restroom! My favorite thing I got was blue leather loafers which Judith picked out for me. She pretty much picked all the items I got (so much for shopping all on my own).

Sunday 14th

Sunday started off well but ended sorta sour. I went to the first orientation held by AFS. There I meet five other students abroad here in my area on the AFS program, but not on the CBYX scholarship. I also take German language courses with these five students. I met my Betreuer (a mentor figure), who is an American from Alaska! She's really nice, and she also runs the Leipzig chapter. I lost the silly track phone my host family lent me and went to bed worried about the phone, school, and language courses on Monday evening. 

First Impression's and Other Things

Everything I thought I knew about Germany isn't true! Who told me there's always cold weather? Who said Germans were "cold" people; yeah, they're not warm and fuzzy, but who is? Why did that book discourage opening windows in Germany? I CAN SHOWER DAILY, and here I was preparing for the worst. Apparently, not all Germans drink; I've yet to see a single beer. Germans aren't mean, or at least I haven't run into someone mean. Everyone's very accepting of me. All I get is stares; hey, let 'em get a good look!

Being here is great, and yes, I've had my run-ins. School scares me, I never knew I'd see a day where I couldn't follow a lesson, but sure enough, I'm lost! So far, I've embarrassed myself twice, mistakenly calling a girl "poo" in German (Kacke is poo, her name was Katia "Cat-te-uh" but I said Kackie) and saying "butt" to my teacher. I sure get a lot of laughs, and trust me, I'm not trying to be a comedic act! There is so much that is new and different, and for you to understand it all, I guess I have to start from the beginning-

Crash Landing (more crashing less land)

And by a crash, I mean "to fall asleep," and by land, I mean "right on my face," I was exhausted! We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany (western part of Germany at the main international airport) around 8 am. I didn't get on a train to Grimma (where I'm living, the eastern part) until 5 pm; I didn't arrive 'till 9 pm. So along with the wait, which is always worse, came the wonderful opportunity to meet the students here abroad in Germany through the AFS program. 84 US students, including myself, are here in Germany through AFS. There are another 100+ students from around the world here. I'm talking about China, Russia, Australia, Venezuela, Sweden, The US, kids from all walks of life who are all amazing. What I found to be a shock; even though we were in Germany, even though there were all these kids from around the world, everyone used English to communicate amongst one another. A blessing, a curse.

In the Car ( into the head of Myiah Smith)

"Man, I wonder how long it'll take 'till I miss my family, it sure is dark here."

"So Myiah, how was your flight" Sabine (host mother, the name is like "Sabrina" but pronounced "Sa-bean-uh") (my host family speaks English)

"Long, it was fine...."

Come on Myiah, one line answers, this is really awkward. Maybe if I stay silent they'll think I've fallen asleep *5min Silence* Hhmm, maybe its embarrassing and awkward for them too!? Did I even start off right, should I have said Hallo instead of Hello!? How long 'till we're at the house, Will they even like me!? Oh my god, I'm so nervous, I think I gotta burp; NO, it's worse than a burp! Keep it in Myiah, keep it together! * Another long silence*

"Okay, we're here, we'll go inside okay." Sabina

"OK" OMG, yes, freedom, that was so nerve-racking.

A Good Evening

Once inside, I meet Miriam (aka Mimi), the youngest daughter. I had already met Judith (pronounced U-dit) at the station with Sabine, who rode me to the house. Judith is the eldest daughter. Ludwig (pronounced LUD-vig), the eldest son, and Stephen (pronounced Stef-Vann) weren't here upon my arrival. All four of us ate a typical evening meal; bread, spread, veggies, "cold cuts," sparkling, and/or water and juice. We talked for a little. Then I was shown my room, my very own room! I laid in bed that night with a heavy heart, both with sadness and great joy. I was excited to finally start my adventure. Sad to leave behind a place that was very familiar yet ready to start anew.

I have been here since Saturday. I've done so much thus far. I look forward to everything that is going to come my way. I look forward to my next post around Saturday- Things Are Different, to get an update on the past week. Read me then!

Any questions wanna know more, comment below.

A Strange Two Weeks

Practicum. A time when German students take a 2-week study in a workforce of their choice. Depending on what state the school is in determines which grade does Practicum and when. As for other exchange students and me, it means we don't do Practicum; and it means I won't do much in school.

Since grade 10 (the grade I'm in) of my school is on Practicum, it means I have no class. Instead, I will accompany English Language teachers to their classes throughout the week. Of course, like any school, it's a spotty school schedule. For me, it means hours of sitting by myself waiting for specific periods to begin while everyone else enjoys the class.

In my spare time (aside from pointless pacing the halls when no one is looking and staring off into space for gaps of time), I shall practice my language skills and experience in more cultural learning. Observe Germans in their German habitat, the wild halls of the school jungle. Where grades and tests are means of survival of the fittest, I am definitely at the end of this food chain. Will these two weeks provide me the training I need to keep up, or shall I fall and crumble like a wounded gazelle?! Time shall tell, which I have plenty of...

Not my best work; a seld portrait 

Coffee in the Cafe for 2.50E 

Dürum, a Turkish-German Burrito, and trust me, this stuff is the bomb!

It's long days, and they are variable. The students here take school very seriously. It's refreshing to see students who genuinely care about their grades and want a good education. I also loved that they were all able to understand me; yeah, with a fast-talking, inner-city American accent. It's nice; it's like the school finally got to find out who I am. I've spoken with a class from every grade year, and they all took an interest in what I had to say. Even the teachers are incredibly nice; they too can see more to me, a better understanding of who they're hosting in the school. With this experience in the past week and a half, I hope both I and the other staff and students become better affiliated with one another! 

The Wait is Always Worse

With hours to go until my parents drop me off at orientation, I'm literally a blank slate. I was always the one to enter a new place without expectations. I must admit I'm beyond nervous and excited. At the start of summer, departure seemed so far away; it appeared to take forever to come. Now that the moment of truth is here, I wonder, confused as to where the time had gone? For me, the wait is always the worse. Don't get me wrong; I am extremely patient; it's the bottled-up me that can barely take the "keeping composed" stance, even though I do it well. I'm trying to keep composed, like holding back horror screams while riding up a horrifying roller coaster; play it cool. But like the thrill of the roller coaster, I love the excitement, the racing heart, stomach drop feeling. It's the feel of what living is supposed to be like; I'm alive and can feel the life coursing through my veins. 

This is what the love of exploration does. The simple love to do and try. To be daring, to get out of the comfort zone, to escape from present reality, to make something your own. This is what I plan to go through my travels in Germany. To rewrite me; become a better me than me presently. Simply because I want the best me I can possibly be, the ability to always outdo myself. The competition goes beyond competing; it has the courage to challenge and beat your own set records and to escape the very person holding you back, yourself. That is true freedom. To be free of all limitations, including race, sex, social status, what society defines as correct. To strive to be free from the very things that oppress you as an individual. That journey does take time and even more patients. Like all things, it is possible. Still, for me, the wait is always the worse!

Time's-a-Ticking

In a Weeks Time-

With only seven days until orientation, I must admit I'm quite nervous. All of my preparation feels like it's paying off, yet there is still so much to do. When I drive up to the hotel on Tuesday, I'm sure there will be many tears on my behalf. Luckily I do look forward to the celebration I'm holding this Saturday. I hope many people come to support me in my abroad travels. It's amazing and still so new, "I'm studying abroad, I can't believe it"; Well, I can, it's just, wow.

I'm excited to be hosting the celebration at ECC's Pump House on the Anacostia. A nice comfy building with a rustic style interior and beautiful waterfront views. Thanks to the State Department, CBYX, and AFS, I will be spending a year abroad. My father, David W. Smith, my mother, Denise Pulliam-Holliday, and I host the celebration. There will be refreshments, music, and an opportunity for esteemed guests to speak. I'm excited and plan to converse with my guest and thank my congressional representative.

Packing and Gifts-

With seven days left, my suitcase isn't packed and ready to go. I have set a goal to be packed by Friday and ready to go by Sunday. At least I'm planning, "ya gotta take it slow, nice and calm." There's no need for a rush; I want to enjoy this wonderful process. The hardest part would be getting host gifts, for me at least. So far, I figured, "Hey, I'll buy matching bracelets for my host sisters and me." Not any ol' bracelets, bracelets that have your horoscope sign. America is big on Horoscope signs, and I figured it'd be a cool way of sharing a piece of culture. I thought a baseball and catcher's mitt would be a cool gift (I could try and get it autographed by a Nationals Player). Baseball, the all-American sport, a nice game of catch on a nice evening, perfect for bounding, right! I feel I have to give the best I can to show my appreciation. But it will go past getting "gifts." I will try hard to learn their culture and accept the opportunity with arms wide open! I'm determined to be a great host student!

Don't forget to check back here for more updates! I look forward to my trip abroad. Want to go abroad? Check out AFS at afsusa.org. Also, support me the best you can by donating here. 

Celebration Awaits!

Welcoming Family

I'm so delighted! I received an email informing me of host arrangements! Unfortunately, I will only be with them for my first three weeks. That aside, I'm still very grateful and very excited. I should receive a permanent host family, hopefully soon. I could find out about the host arrangements as late as I'm with my host family. I leave for Frankfort on September fifth. I will most likely ride a train to the state where they live.

It's a household of five, a mother, father, and three kids. The eldest son is 18, the daughter is 15, and the youngest is 11. They live in what they say is "a very small town." However, it's a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone well. Their home is "cozy" (which is always a plus), and they own quite an array of animals. They have a large garden, which means lots of fresh food! The parents are doctors in a neighboring town.

While viewing their profile, I liked their love for the great outdoors. They love canoeing, horseback riding, cycling, and much more! I look forward to getting my hands dirty in the garden and trying out horseback riding for the first time. They are a welcoming family and love trying new things. Flexibility is what they strive for, and they seem to be a beautiful family.

I look forward to spending my first month in Germany with them and can't wait for the adventures in store. Now all I have to do is pack, by host gifts, get materials, study up on the language and history, prepare for departure, and raise funds. Whew, quite a lot. You could help me out by donating here or supporting me by sharing the link to the fundraiser and my blog!

Auf Wiedersehen

Why the Wait?

The Explanation

Why have I waited with a month left until I depart to create a blog? The reason- it's taken me a month left till depart to realize I'm really going abroad! It's taken me this long....this here is very real. For the longest, I felt I'd been walking around in awe. I cannot fully grasp that the opportunity I tried so hard to obtain is accurate, and here! Who do I have to thank, AFS and CBYX, of course?

The Process

The application process is quite extensive. I went through periods where I was sure there was nothing more I could give when they're in fact was. As of now, I have to give one more physical examination update. But this is not in vain. Its to ensure that I, as a traveler, will be in the best of hands. AFS is one of the very good organizations to check, check and check again. AFS is definitely the Santa Clause of Study Abroad! "Giving" cultural experience to "wide-eyed youth," filled with "excitement and zeal."

The Plan

Once in Germany, I plan to make updated blogs, but not very often. Once a month updates with detailed descriptions of what exactly I'm experiencing. Let's not be too hasty, the experience part is important, but I'll be sure to share.

For now, please share this link to my blog. And feel free to help me out and donate at my gofundme.