What were you grateful for this week?My wonderful host family. 

What was the most challenging part of this week?Goodbyes. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.My host family has continuously “wowed” me within the duration of my stay. Their openines and warmth— always extending invitations to their personal outings. They are a beautiful bunch. 

Tell us about your week! Alas, my final week in Rome. Looking back to my initial arrival feels like looking back into another lifetime. I didn’t hold any expectations of the journey that laid before me. I intended to remain open, allowing things to happen with full acceptance. You really begin to grow when you fall out of your comfort zone. Living in a foreign country with a new family brings up a lot of feelings of discomfort. Finding a balance of being respectful in another’s home without sacrificing your own comfortablity can at times be challenging. My first few weeks here were tough. I wanted to fall into the flow of the city but subconsciously resisted. Once I let go and allowed things to happen as they were, a beautiful ease took place. That period of bewilderment and disarray were essential in the process of selfgrowth. The confident and straightforward attitude of Italian culture was in the end contagious. These were qualities in myself that I lacked but now have gained. In the midst of this self growth/discovery, Love has been forever present. I have a newfound love for my host family. I was invited into their home to influence and teach the children, but they have done so much for me. Giving me a platform to experience and travel parts of the world I never thought I’d see. But above all else forming a bond and connection that outlast even an eternal city. These small connections I’ve made have had huge impacts. I’m so grateful for their generosity and warmth. The friendships/relationships I’ve formed have been the most rewarding part of this whole experience.