so far this has been quite the journey, but each day gets better and better. before i forget, i want to share my positives and negatives thus far:
+'s
+ during my 8 1/2 hr delay at the JFK airport i met an American girl that ended up giving me tips and pointers for my stay in switzerland AND she even helped me at the airport when we landed in zurich (getting my bags, going through customs, calling the family, and getting me to a taxi) i cannot tell you how grateful i am for that tender mercy, she was so helpful and kind.
+ the family has been so kind and welcoming since i arrived. i was able to gain a great relationship with maren over email, prior to my arrival, and it continues to grow each day.
+ as julien and i were walking though the woods on wednesday, i kept trying to teach him simple words like snow, tree, branch, etc. i felt like he wasn't really paying attention BUT later that night maren told me that he was so excited to tell his mom that he could say snow in english!!!!
+ i finally got wifi on friday, after being very homesick, and i was able to get in touch with my family and friends. i love FaceTime so much. (:
+ the youngest boy, finley, has been quite shy since i arrived and he never wants to be around me for very long. last night though, he came and sat on my lap for a good 15 minutes while i watched ghost busters with his brother!!!!!! (this is one of the best things that's happened yet!)
+'s
+ during my 8 1/2 hr delay at the JFK airport i met an American girl that ended up giving me tips and pointers for my stay in switzerland AND she even helped me at the airport when we landed in zurich (getting my bags, going through customs, calling the family, and getting me to a taxi) i cannot tell you how grateful i am for that tender mercy, she was so helpful and kind.
+ the family has been so kind and welcoming since i arrived. i was able to gain a great relationship with maren over email, prior to my arrival, and it continues to grow each day.
+ as julien and i were walking though the woods on wednesday, i kept trying to teach him simple words like snow, tree, branch, etc. i felt like he wasn't really paying attention BUT later that night maren told me that he was so excited to tell his mom that he could say snow in english!!!!
+ i finally got wifi on friday, after being very homesick, and i was able to get in touch with my family and friends. i love FaceTime so much. (:
+ the youngest boy, finley, has been quite shy since i arrived and he never wants to be around me for very long. last night though, he came and sat on my lap for a good 15 minutes while i watched ghost busters with his brother!!!!!! (this is one of the best things that's happened yet!)
-'s
- i immediately got nervous and scared when we landed in zurich. i have not been nervous at all before coming, but when we landed it hit me like a brick wall.
- my phone was supposed to have an international plan but it hasn't worked at all. that was really hard for me up until i got wifi...i'm doing much better now!
- when i took the taxi to my new home, the driver couldn't speak english and he was falling asleep during the whole 2 hr drive. i am not kidding, i thought we weren't going to make it.
- jet lag is painful, haha. i'll leave it at that (;
- i have been very homesick (surprise mom and dad!). it serves me right; i'm always ungrateful while at home but once i leave i miss it a lot.
OVERALL: I am happy that I am here. I am grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I know it will be hard, but I know it is worth it. I am excited (and nervous) for what the future holds. Thank you for your prayers and support!
xo-shaylee jane
- i immediately got nervous and scared when we landed in zurich. i have not been nervous at all before coming, but when we landed it hit me like a brick wall.
- my phone was supposed to have an international plan but it hasn't worked at all. that was really hard for me up until i got wifi...i'm doing much better now!
- when i took the taxi to my new home, the driver couldn't speak english and he was falling asleep during the whole 2 hr drive. i am not kidding, i thought we weren't going to make it.
- jet lag is painful, haha. i'll leave it at that (;
- i have been very homesick (surprise mom and dad!). it serves me right; i'm always ungrateful while at home but once i leave i miss it a lot.
OVERALL: I am happy that I am here. I am grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I know it will be hard, but I know it is worth it. I am excited (and nervous) for what the future holds. Thank you for your prayers and support!
xo-shaylee jane