Momoka from Japan

So somewhere along the way in this crazy process, I somehow convinced my parents that it would be a good idea to host while I'm away. I mean there will be an open bed so why not! My host sisters name is Momoka, and she is from Japan. She will be arriving here on August 15th, about 2 weeks before my departure. We have emailed and talked and I am SO excited to be able to meet her and hang out with her before I leave.

If you are reading this, I suggest that you try your best to become a host family. I was lucky enough to receive my family more than 3 months before my departure, but I still have friends that don't have family. I understand how nerve wracking it is, and I also know how freaking awesome it feels to open up the email saying you received your host family. You can be the reason that someone's day is great, and even better, you can be the reason that an exchange student's year is great. Do it. Go for it. Your student will be eternally grateful for you, and I'm sure you will be eternally grateful for them. Once a family, always a family.

Cannot wait!

As I got my host family a couple days ago, I have been communicating with my host mom via email. At first we were speaking in English until she told me that she doesn't actually speak fluent English..... That's when I decided I might a well get a head start on my Spanish, and try my best to write by myself.... Although I have been using google translate for assistance (about 1/3 of every email) but hey, practice makes perfect right? So I learned that I will be living in a beautiful, small, red house and I fell in love the first time I saw it.... On google earth I might add. I just typed in the address that was listed under my placement page and BOOM there is my beautiful future home. I fell in love instantly. I've been talking to my mom. About family and sports. I told her that I really love track and field and would like to participate in it while in Spain if possible, but if there wasn't a club nearby, any sport would suffice. And guess what? The VERY next day, my host mom emailed me saying that she found a track club for me and that she would sign me up if I wanted to do it. Ding ding ding. Now I already love my house AND my mom. I cannot wait to begin my life with them!! 

This is the home of the family that I will soon call my own. 95 days and counting......

Hasta la proxima,

Lilly