Dan

The only hesitation I have about leaving the country is this one boyfriend of mine, Dan. He's pretty alright.

I have NEVER felt so at peace about a decision, but I know I'm going to miss him like crazy. I wish he could come with me, or at least visit me once a month. That would be pretty nice. Here are my two favorite pictures of us. We don't take a lot of pictures.



en fin

Je suis l'apprentissage du français.

I have subscribed to two French podcasts and I am trying to soak it all in. The children really don't speak any English at all, so I am desperately trying to remember things from my last French class, almost 10 years ago (!).

Right now, one of the podcasts I'm listening to is playing an extremely cheesy French song, probably from the mid 80's, complete with synthesizers and horns. Ooo, the warm pad just came in. This is going to be good.

So, the other day, I was chiding myself because I feel like I'm over-preparing for this trip a little early. Then I realized it's the end of April, and my flight leaves August 16th. This time is going to fly by! If anyone has absolutely any advice, I am all ears. Seriously.

I'm so distracted. I'm just going to stop writing now.

Thank you.

I just want to thank my friends for being so supportive. You all are so wonderful. Please come visit me.

Also, I will try to spend as much time in Dublin as possible. How could I not? You boys are like brothers to me and I am excited we will be on the same continent. And of course, Ramsbottom, where some of my family lives. I'm excited that I already have a mini-network already!

I'm going to try to get my visa on Friday, so please pray for me.

Happy Monday!

Here I go.

August 17, I will be moving to Genolier, Switzerland. It is in the canton of Vaud, outside of Nyon, and very close to Geneva. I am beyond excited. I feel like I am on the brink of a great adventure. For a year I will live with a wonderful family, helping out around the house and taking care of 2 little ones, Mathilde and Malko. I will learn French, and I will begin my journey of becoming a "world citizen" (I know, I know, it sounds cheesy, but I aspire to it).

Right now, I am equally terrified and enticed by the unknown of a different culture. I had a video conference with the family, and it was so nice and reassuring to speak to them face to face. I didn't get to say hello to Malko, he was in the bath, but I did get to meet Mathilde, and she is adorable. She said (Ivana translating), I wish you could come today! Well, my heart melted on the spot. Ivana said she is eager to learn English, and she tries very hard to speak it, but it is just mostly made-up words. Ivana later emailed me, stating Mathilde spent their entire dinner asking questions about me (when was I coming, why couldn't I come earlier, how long will I stay, what are my hobbies, etc). I already feel so much love for this family and I just hope that I can fill these little ones' lives with as much love as they can handle.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the children. I think you can see why I am so enamored with them.
I will try my hardest to keep this updated with all my adventures (and mundane things too).