What were you grateful for this week?Taking things easy.

What was the most difficult or challenging part of this week?Forcing myself to go to school.

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. I spend all of my free time with the kids, no matter what day of the week and no matter what the hour. 

Tell us about your week! So I didn’t go anywhere this weekend, but it was actually really nice and very fulfilling. Prepare to be bored. I really struggled with going to school this week, and I’m not entirely sure why. I think that my brain gets tired and since it isn’t exactly my first priority while I’m here (the kids are), I don’t push myself to go as hard as I would if the circumstances were different. 

So instead of going on Monday and Friday, I took some big personal days. But in doing this, I was able to spend more of my time with [my host family’s son] and I feel that he and I have reached a really fun and easy level. It’s amazing that it’s taken me this long to accomplish the things that I did this week, but I finally feel like all of my relationships with the kids have solidified.

[The older host son] and I get along more now than we ever have; on Sunday afternoon he came into my room and willingly just hung out with me for about two hours, which was unexpected but really nice.

[My host mom’s] birthday was on Friday, so I took the day off from school and went to get her a card and a birthday present, which she was extremely thankful for. 

Friday night I went out for dinner with the Aussie girl that [my host mom’s] friend introduced me to, and Saturday I spent all day at home. I like helping out with the kids even on the weekends. I do spend more time in my room on Sundays than normal, but I like being around them. It makes me happy. I feel very at home.