What were you grateful for this week?I was grateful for reaching my half-way mark and going on a fun day trip by myself to Bolzano.

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?Feeling like the daughter decides nearly everything that goes on. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.

The family was running a little late a couple of the mornings and so I decided to make the beds for everyone because I knew that the parents didn’t have time to make their own bed.

Tell us about your week! Hello! This week was good. I had my half-way mark this weekend and now I have less than a month left! It’s bittersweet. I went to Bolzano on my own for a day trip and toured around the city. It was beautiful and I visited two museums, two churches, some shops, a German festival, some flea markets, and much more. 

I spent some good time with the family and even told the host-Sister that she can decide what I’m going to be for Halloween. She decided I’m going to be a creepy clown. I’ve been her Barbie doll for the past two days while she’s been practicing my hair and makeup constantly and making my costume. 

Today my host mom and I were walking down the sidewalk and she stopped me and said, “I know that getting here was hard and it was a crazy journey. I know that you were homesick in the beginning and then you started to feel more calm. And I am so glad you’re here with us and I am so so sad to see you go. I’m excited for what’s next in your life with your marriage and your career but I just don’t want you to leave.” She got super teary and gave me a huge hug. That was a definite breath of fresh air and made me feel like it was all worth it. All the hair pulling and jabbing bobby puns into the head and all the mood swings from a grumpy preteen. All of the homesickness and sad nights missing my fiancé. It was clear to me today that I’m here for the family. I’m here to serve them and be the best I can be for them. And I am learning and growing on my own too.