What were you grateful for this week?

My amazing host family! they are some of the sweetest people and I have loved getting to know them. they have made me feel so at home and comfortable and just apart of the family. I got sick one night and natalie had me sleep in her room with her so she could take care of me, she is so kind!! 

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?
The time difference and the language barrier. It’s been difficult to sleep at night and feel energized in the morning. But now that we have started our routine and I have been here for 5 days, I’m getting used to it! the language barrier is more difficult than I imagined but we’re finding different ways to communicate!

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. 
to be honest, I haven’t felt like I’ve done anything over the top yet for my family. I have been doing my very best to be helpful and positive as it’s my first week and I want them to be happy I am here! I have always offered to help with meals and clean up, I play with the twins and clean up after them, even though they are not my responsibility, I make sure to spend time with the family when i’m home even if it’s “free time” for me. I have just been trying to establish relationships and connections and make sure i’m being as kind and helpful as I can be!!

Tell us about your week!
I can’t believe i’m finally in italy! it’s been a big adjustment but so amazing. I feel so lucky to be with my host family, they are so kind and fun and I love them so much already! 

 

H and I took a morning to walk around gallarate and get familiar with the city. it’s a small city but so beautiful! the buildings are so colorful and full of character, very different than your standard city in the US. 

 

I have gone out to breakfast every morning so far with my host mom and nicole which has been so fun! the meals here are such events, dinner lasts for hours and we are usually joined by extended family or friends. it’s a party every night here! I’ve noticed that Italians are very familiar and friendly with each other, everyone i’ve met has been so sweet to me and I have been kissed and hugged more times than I can count!! 

 

[My host family’s daughter] speaks little english, but I’ve been surprised at how well we have bonded. even though it’s hard to understand each other, we get along great and are able to still have fun together. she’s such a sweet girl and so full of personality! we have to get creative in order to communicate, drawing pictures for each other and charades but she’s very smart and catches on so quick! I have already seen improvement in the week i’ve been here!