What were you grateful for this week?
Working as a school counselor so that I can afford the luxury of having this experience! Many people my age in Italy don’t have that privilege. 

What was the most challenging part of this week? 
Going on a trip and having it rain the whole time. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week.
Making a water volcano with the kids. 

Tell us about your week! 
We arrived to Gabicce Mare on Monday and it’s been a blast hanging out on the beach every day. I was expecting beaches kind of like Mexico but it’s very different here. I’ve enjoyed playing board games with the kids, building things out of sand and taking walks to the market in the evenings. I’ve also loved the food here! Everything is so wholesome and organic—vegetables definitely taste better here than in the states.

 

I’ve also loved getting to know more Italians at the hotel. Now it seems like whenever I’m sitting down, random people will say hi to me. It’s sweet that they take time to say hello and that they go out of their way to do it in English as well. Italians are very Latino-spirited and happy people. I’m so lucky to be with the family I’m with because they are so so sweet and have really taken me in. They even call me a sister now and have said they want me to come back! I love that through this program I’ve been able to create this relationship with a family who will stay with me wherever I go. While I’m sad that this trip is halfway over, I’m excited to enjoy these last two weeks and am excited to see where we go!