Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December 1, 2009: Celebrating 100 Days – European Style!




Hi Friends! Well, today I have officially been living in Belgium for 100 days! I can’t believe how the time has flown by! I remember Skyping with my mom and dad the night I arrived, and I was almost in tears because I didn’t know what I was thinking, just picking up and moving away from all family and friends!!!

Well, I am now counting my blessings, and so very thankful that this really worked out! I am very happy here and have made some really fantastic international friends! All 3 children are super, and I am just embracing this opportunity to travel and gain some independence! Throughout these 100 days, I have been able to do some things I have really wanted to focus on, like photography, traveling, reading, trying new sports, and attempting to enjoy the weather and take in this totally new environment!

Here’s a brief look at the past 100 days:

The volleyball season has now ended (and we placed 1st), but my friend Louise and I all joined a rugby team! Its fun, intense, and a totally new experience! Carpe Diem!!!!

Joy has moved up 2 reading levels in school and she is still taking Disco Dance. She is in a school play ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and I am going to watch her in her final play on December 9th.

Kate has moved up 3 reading levels in school and got 40 out of 40 on her spelling test! She also takes disco dance and is involved in gymnastics, and every boy in school is in love with her!

John is still as energetic and loud as ever, but my gosh he is just as cute as can be! The whole family spoils him, but I can’t blame them, he just is a little angel (when he isn’t yelling or crying at the top of his lungs… hahaha).

Glory and Filip are the host parents, and they are super nice as well. Filip is really into sports and he showed me how to play squash. Glory is also very athletic and we have been to spin class together. Overall, it’s been a great fit so far!

Well, Thanksgiving has already come and gone, and I was not home with my family. I miss making peppermint bark, helping bake pumpkin pies, eating 4 plates of the world’s best turkey, and most importantly, sitting around the table with my mom, dad, and sister.

Two of my sorority sisters, Jessica and Vanessa, will be arriving this Friday for the weekend, and I am so excited to see them! It will be WONDERFUL!

Christmas will be rough too, but I officially have my plan for my holiday: Brussels to Bratislava, to Vienna, to Prague, to Budapest, to London, to Dublin, to possibly Paris, then back to Brussels. Of course, the one and only Amy Buchmann will be here to celebrate New Years with me! YAY! I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, congratulations to Nickie for landing a fantastic job as a nurse in a brand new hospital in San Diego for the oncology unit! She is going to be the best nurse in the whole world!

As for the rest of my life here, the Christmas markets are WONDERFUL and I am taking full advantage of all the delicious food! On the whole: I am very happy and learning to just live in the moment.

I hope December greets you all happy and healthy, and I wish you a warm and cheery holiday season!

All my love,

Chrissy

1 comment: