Moving Day

Have I ever told you how much I hate goodbyes? There is something so final about them that just absolutely terrifies me. These last few months, I have grown to love Marc and Frederique more than I have ever thought could be possible. They have lead me through the chaos and confusion of my first four months as an exchange student. I will always be grateful to them for taking me into their house and welcoming me into their home.

This experience has been like reading a good book. . . you jump into it with a mixture of nervous excitement, not knowing what grand adventures the pages are going to lead you through. You might be a little timid at first, but word by word, page by page, the book begins to suck you in. You are completely captivated by its story. Then suddenly, before you are ready, you've reached the final chapter. You try to slow down a little, to cling to the last bits of adventure the novel has to offer, but somewhere in the back of your mind you know the end is near. Then it comes, and you are left with an emptiness that can only be filled by the words waiting for you in the sequel. . . And as much as I hate goodbyes, it is time for me to move on to that second book.

Thats right, guys and gals. I have reached a milestone in my exchange experience. I am officially on to host family number two. :]

Moving Day was an absolute DISASTER. So many emotions were going through my head, I thought I might explode. . . And honestly, I'm surprised I didn't. I was stressed for the upcoming exams, sad to be leaving my first host family, excited to meet my second family, terrified that they wouldn't like me, and still so incredibly grateful to even be here at all, all at ONE time. How is that even possible?! I was so busy trying (and failing) to keep my emotions in check, I forgot the most important part of moving out. . . Packing.

I don't know if this was my subconsciences way of rebelling against the move or what, but this is what my room looked like right before I broke down and started packing. . . two hours before it was time to leave. Procrastination at its finest.

And this is after. Do you see what I mean when I say it left me feeling empty?

Fortunately the emptiness only lasted as long as the 20 minute ride fro, Wezembeek-Oppem to Laeken. I was welcomed by my second host family with open arms and warm smiles. I immediately felt like a member of the family. They even left me a cute little welcome-home note :)

This is my new room. Isn't it cute? :) It didn't take me long at all to find my place in this family. I feel perfectly at home.

I am still absolutely terrified by not knowing what stories these pages will bring, but that's half the fun of it. :) I am ready to get started on this sequel.