Change of Heart

Since I've been here, I've endulged myself with 5 different novels. BIG novels, I'd like to add. I never read this much at home, but I do read a lot now that I'm here. Being as how I can't speak in English or watch a movie in English, I'd like to be able to read in English. Sure, I read in French at school and I have a few small books at home that I try to decipher, but I could never tackle anything in French like I am now in English. At least not yet. One of my aspirations is to be able to once I'm back home. I've been here for over a month, now, and it's so strange. I've never been away from home longer than a month, so I'm starting to think the homesickness is really going to kick in. Or maybe it won't because of how used to my new home I am. There's no doubt in my mind that I'll have a terrific year. Some days I wish I could stay here forever, but some days I wish I could come back sooner. It's all about the change of heart and how it affects us.

Art is Everywhere

Yesterday, Saturday Sept. 17th, my host mother, sister and I went to view several art exhibitions in Verviers (the local city). Some of the artwork was so astounding to me. It's amazing to think about what goes through peoples' minds when they're creating something so extraordinary. After a long day of art exhibitions and shopping around, it was off to the grocery store in search of pizza fix-ins! My host mother had me make the whole pizza myself, dough and all. It turned out to be a huge mess in the kitchen with my friends and I having somewhat of a flour fight. The pizza served all 5 of us, and we had some champagne to celebrate my success as a chef. The following morning, my sister and I went horse back riding. I re-learned how to gallop, and let me tell you it's not as easy when your instructor is speaking in French. I did very well, I'm pleased to report, and I'm going to continue lessons for the next couple of months.

As far as school goes, I'm sad to say I'm not a fan of the European schooling system. No sports, no posters on the walls, nothing colorful, no cheerleading, no football games. It's odd saying I actually miss school in Cedar Rapids. However, when life hands you lemons...right? I've probably made over 70 friends at school alone, not including my close friends who've already graduated and are now attending the university. Everyone knows who I am at school. They either rush up and kiss me, or they just stare at me. There are also 2 Australian girls who have been here for almost 8 months, but they still cannot speak French! I help them communicate with the other students when they don't know what to say. It makes me feel pretty smart! The Aussies may not be able to speak French, but I love their accents when they speak English!


I've also added over 30 new songs to my Belgiam playlist. I went to see Final Destination 5 (Destination Finale Cinq) at the theaters, and it was strang because it's an American film and the voice overs were terrible. I understood the film regardless. I've already read 5 novels (HUGE novels) since I've been here, and I'm starting on smaller books that are in French. I ask questions constantly, and I hardly speak English with anyone unless necessary.

All in all, my homesickness isn't going away, but it's not as harsh now as it was before. I will continue to learn and grow over the next few months. I'll learn to become more dependant and intellectual. It's going to be one hell of a year, and I couldn't be more excited for what's to come.

Peace and blessings,
Ted

Stranger

I've met almost 100 people and made tons of new friends, but I am still a stranger. I am known here as "the American" and everyon stares. I ask people if I really look American and everyone says no, so why do they stare? I'm just like them. I just come from a foreign world. No one has been rude to me or unkind, and I am thankful for that. It's almost like I feel what the inbounds from the past year felt. I am different yet very much the same.

the first day

I've never been good at goodbyes, nor did I necessarily want to make this goodbye a big deal. But knowing my mother...it would be. The poor thing couldn't stop crying at the airport. My older brother, his girlfriend of 4 years, my best friends, and my mother. I had to say goodbye to some of my most favorite people in the whole world. How does one do that without crying? I hate crying, and I tried my best not to, but once I looked at the sad faces of my family and friends before me, I had no choice but to let the tears go. C o n t r o l l e d, unlike my mother, but I was definitely crying...

I met a new friend in Chicago while we both waited for our flight to BELGIUM. His name was Grégorie, and he was very kind. I was sitting across from him looking through my English-French dictionary when he started asking questions. We soon became friends and even got to sit together on our 8 hour flight. Neither of us slept.

F i n a l l y we arrived in Belgium. My new friend and I parted ways, and I then spent half an hour in the line of the "border control" or the place where your passport is checked. After that I went in search of my bags. After finally finding them, I tried to navigate my way towards the welcome area. It took me a while, and with no help from anyone, I was literally onmyown. Finally I saw my host mother and sister, who greeted me with kisses and hugs. They were speaking French, very fast I'd like to add. I could comprehend some of it, but not a lot. I tried to speak as much as possible. I'd fill every little silence with a question or a comment. After an hour drive from Brussels to my home near
L i è g e, I was baffled by the beautiful European scenery. We stopped at a tiny Patisserie (with sweet treats and breads) and picked out a snack. I then went home and spent some time trying to get to know my new sister. She was a little shy at first, but I was happy she was close to my age at 17. I then met 2 of her best friends, which now, almost a week later, are my best friends. I've met at least 30 people that I know the names of. My parents are nice wonderful, and my host brother is a lot like my brother at home! He PROTECTS me and Juliette, my sister.

I'm so blessed to have this oppertunity. I am not home sick at all, but I'm sure with time I will be. But I am focused on right now, in this moment. Right now I am very content...and I'm thinking about taking a dip in our  b e a u t i f u l  pool! Ohh la-la!

Life is beautiful here. Everything is real and new and fresh. I couldn't have asked for a better family or new home. Thank you, Rotary!