What were you grateful for this week?
I am most grateful for YouTube tutorials on how to make origami frogs and the Italian/English google translate.

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?
The most difficult part of this weekend was adjusting with the language barrier.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.
My “wow” moment this weekend was when I pulled out my B’loonies to help the housemaid get a break from all the boys.

Tell us about your week!
I have been here for almost 48 hours and it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. Sad and happy to be leaving family and friends for 3 months, excited to meet my new family and learn more about them and their Italian culture, happy with the surrounding greenery yet city-like atmosphere.

 

Everywhere you walk outside there are trees, vines, and the cracks in the sidewalk are green. The air smells clean, yet thick with coffee and cigarettes. The gentlemen at the airport smoke tobacco casually out of a pipe. 

 

My host parents arrived carrying a handmade sign with my name created by the three boys. We stopped to get cappuccinos and pastries and went to the house to meet the rest of the family. I said what I could with the language barrier, but knew it will take time to become comfortable. I have decided it’s okay to be uncomfortable, because that means learning is taking place.

 

I met the housemaid this morning and she was eager to learn the language while we made small talk over bowls of pasta and cheese. She used google translate to help herself speak and tried very hard. 

 

The boys were picked up from school, one taken to basketball, and the others taken home with us. The oldest was excited to speak with me as I asked him about English class and he proudly counted off his numbers, pronounced his alphabet, pointed out colors and objects, stated some English basics, and asked me how to say “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good night.” 

 

I had dinner with my host parents and discussed what they learned for the day, while getting to know them more as well. And it only will get better from here on out!