What were you grateful for this week?I was grateful for the small and simple ways that the family of my host family (their grandparents and aunts and uncles) reached out to me, whether we were at basketball practices or lunch together. They made me feel welcome as a part of their own family!

What was the most challenging part of this week?The hardest part of this week was just trying to readjust and find my place in my “new family.” I knew that I had signed a contract and was required to do some certain things, but it was more than that. It was just trying to adjust to my new position in my family. 

Tell us about a “wow” moment you had this week. The mom went out one night, leaving me at home with her son. We had dinner all together and then she went out and we went and spent some time together for a couple of hours before going to bed. The mom told me not to worry about anything that night (like dishes), just to spend time with her son, but then after her son went to bed I went and made sure that the kitchen was cleaned up and that all of the dishes were done so that she would not have to come home to a mess. 

Tell us about your week! This week was one of adjustment, from the time to the new people, language, and food, but it was good! I have learned a surprising amount of Italian in just one week (although I’ve done a bit of studying), and I loved being able to get to know my host family! I haven’t ventured out too far yet into the city, because it has only been a few days and there has been a lot to do upon arrival (like figuring out schedules of the family and my own), but I have loved it when I have gotten out to see some things. 

My host family and some of their friends showed me one of their favorite places to eat and a cute little piazza, and it was so much fun! I have made sure that I am studying my Italian, but I am also really enjoying practicing English with my host family! Not everything has been 100% smooth, as to be expected stepping into something completely new and leaving everything that’s familiar behind, but it has been so good. Every obstacle can be overcome! I am just excited to continue to strengthen and build relationships with my new family and with everyone here and learn a little bit more each and every week!