I don't know if it is Norwegian culture, but there is no affection (that I see anyways) in the family I live with. It's weird, because I am neither a guest nor part of the family. To me, I feel like a burden, and don't actually understand why they volunteered to be a host family. But maybe it's just me, or maybe it's the Norwegian culture. But as of now, I live in a house, not a home, but a house. I want a home :'(. I'll survive I suppose.
Again, today I woke up, looked in the mirror, and wondered why I am here. I don't have an answer, but I'm trying to find one.
Yesterday was good so hopefully today is also. I went to Eli's house, and was able to talk to her for a while. I'm very welcome in her home, and she answers a lot of questions that I have because when she was younger, she was an exchange student.
One lesson I have already learned is to be thankful for all the annoying affection there is in Texas. Advice to my friends, give lots and lots of hugs, tell people you love them, accept new people, and smile at strangers. And when your parents say have a good day in the morning and give you a hug, hug them back. I know it is tons and tons easier for me to say that because I'm thousands of miles away from my "annoying nagging parents". But like Aunt Anna always tells me, you want to be thankful for what you have cuz youre gonna miss it when it's gone. And I do miss everyone and my friends and family, but it works out, because this is going to be "the best year of my life." or so they tell me. Haha but slowly becoming used to it. Don't remeber the feeling before homesickness.
Sarah invited me to come to her house whenever, when she's home, and also to go to choir with her, so I might do that. I think I might go to church with her too. I might be able to go to meetings once every two months, for the first few months is what they told me, so I'm a little bummyfaced about that. But it will be okay. It will all eventually work out the way it is supposed to have. That's what I'm trusting.
2 comments:
Hey Miss Emily......Good to read your blog this morning. It is another day, back at work....the holiday was great...spent time working in the yard and on my pond. That is always good for me. The people you stay with have such a wonderful yard and very pretty flowers and I am sure that your enjoy them so much.
We had a really good meeting on Sunday. We had Oldhams and Canyon and all were there except Sam, Larry Allen and Jim Simpson. Jim and Larry were sick and Sam had to work. He is kinda like you....he never gets to go to Sunday meeting because he has to work. Sometimes he gets Wednesday night and he is very thankful for that. So he understands exactly how you feel.
I have enjoyed the pictures of Laura's new puppy. She is sooo cute!!! I bet you miss your sweet Daisy probably as much as she misses you. I think that would be the hardest part for me if I had to go away because I love my pets and cannot stand to be away from them.
I am sorry you are so homesick but I can understand. 41 years ago I went to school in Dallas. I know that is not that far away....but to a farm girl from Happy Texas it was the end of the world. I can remember being just as homesick and to me it was just as far away as Norway.....that was the longest year of my life.
I made it.......but.....and yes the hugs are sooo important as are phone calls. We did not have FB or email back then so that is good that you have that now.
Hang in there. I know everyone tells you that...but remember it is just as hard for your parents as it is for you because they miss you to and are homesick for you. We miss you and especially we miss your smile!! So I am sending a hug your way and we will be thinking about you today!!!!
Love you lotz,
Carolyn
Hey friend! So glad to read your blog...I read it every day. Well, sometimes I read 2 or 3 days at a time because I've gotten behind. :)
So sorry you're feeling so homesick still and that the warmth/affection/reaching out hasn't happened. It does sound like you've found a handful of people to go to though for support and what you need so keep going there!! ...Eli/Anja/Sarah/other exchange students...
Trust...what a thing. I think about it a lot this time of year. This may seem like a strange analogy but hunting seasons require a lot of faith for me cause we always have people who are unsuccessful/unhappy and fears come up.... I constantly remind myself - all is well, there's something bigger than me going on here - In all of our life to be able to take a deep breath and say I trust God who is in control is a huge deal - but a relief, to surrender.
Wes's dad had something really strange happen to his spinal cord where he can't walk right now. Maybe a virus they think?? It happened while he was in Utah so he's in the Salt Lake City hospital so we flew out last weekend to see him. Another thing that's stressful/worrisome, but just have to say, one day at a time, we can do this, everything's gonna be ok.
We are in Wyoming now at the beautiful lodge on our website (in case you wanna see it;) ) with some of our clients who are also now some of our best friends. In spite of it all, life goes on and life is good. It may not be the easiest year of your life, probably not even the best year of life (I find that every year is better than the last :) ) but it WILL be a year where you learn who Emily is and probably a lot too about who God is for you.
We love you, hugs and hugs and kisses!!!
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