Vive le Vent --- A Belgian Christmas!

Well I would just like to reassure you all that since my last blog we have received about another foot of snow, making the total count about three feet. I have never appreciated our tractor more! Most people were stuck inside the entire Christmas weekend, but we are farmers, and with the power of our green machine we've been just as busy as always :)
December 21st through the 24th were very busy days for Benoit and Nicole; Benoit would get calls about every half hour from elderly people that needed him to come to the rescue with the tractor to shovel out their driveways before Christmas, and everyone wants their hair to look good for Christmas day so Nicole was working until 10pm some nights! All this busyness left Pauline and I home a lot to do little projects and thus I have become the honorary chef of the family... just a few of my adored creations have been: homemade spaghetti and sauce, grilled fish and ratatouille, and eggplant Parmesan! :)
December 23rd was what I would call our "last minute shopping day". Pauline and I went into Verviers together and met her aunt, Nicole's little sister Fabienne, who reminds me a lot of a friend of our Jo Ellen Legg. She was really fun, and we shopped for hours despite the constant removing and putting back on many many layers. Once Pauline finally found the absolutely perfect gift for her little boyfriend of 1.5 months, we got on the last running bus before they were all cancelled because of the snow and we went home. There is no better feeling than coming home to a warm house after a cold, snowy day!
December 24th was one of the most stressful days that I have experienced in Belgium. In the morning we went to school, which took twice the normal time with the snow, to get our report cards. I was shocked when I found my teacher and she was in the midst of showing my report to three other teachers. She said that she was really impressed and that I hardly make any errors in my writing at all; she even said that kids in my class would be very jealous :) Then we went home, and in not so good news we found out that Justine Bragard, who is my family's daughter that is currently doing her exchange in Kingwood, Texas, was admitted to the hospital and was put into an ICU room. She has been complaining about severe leg pains and weakness to the point that she had to use a wheelchair, she lost 5 kilos and it was getting to the point that medical attention was needed. The entire day I was little miss translator, from emails to telephone calls, I was needed to make them feel as at ease as possible knowing their daughter was in the hospital, in a foreign country, on Christmas! That late afternoon I got my present from my parents in the mail :) and then we all got dressed up to go to Grandma's house for Christmas eve dinner! A four course meal, but the soup was questionable, and I was so happy after my first bite that everyone around the table looked as disgusted as I did-- we discovered that grandma accidentally used orange juice instead of cream in the mushroom soup... ha! I loved playing with my cousins all night and then at midnight we went to midnight mass which was very cool, and they all wished me a "Merry Christmas" and then back to Grandma's for dessert and home around 2 when I skyped my whole family to join their Christmas eve :)
Christmas morning we actually had SUN!!! So I decided to brave the three feet of snow and go for a run... unfortunately I made a wrong turn somewhere and came back very sore and tired an hour and a half later- oh well! The four of us had a late lunch of fondue together, and then opened gifts! I got wonderful boots, a scarf, a ring, and a sweater! Then we all skyped the members of our family that aren't with us which was wonderful!
The day after Christmas we woke up early and had a pastry breakfast :) And then got ready for all of Benoit's giant family to come over! We were all out in the room we rent out and it was really a blast to have a big family around! We did secret santa and my present was bibs for the 2 month old and I got gloves from an "uncle". Around 3 I rushed off because I had a band concert at 4! We played really well and Nicole came to see which made me really happy! The sad part of the day was that I found out that I will have to change host families and will not be able to stay with the Bragards all year... I am trying not to think about it.
Monday the 27th we found out that Justine left the hospital and although the doctors never figured out her diagnosis, with steroids she is doing a million times better :) I invited Mallory over and we played in the snow of course, and made the Bragard family as snowmen! We also made dinner for the family and then just hung out like it'll be when we are roommates!
The 28th we woke up and went on a snowy run through the town and then got ready and her parents picked us up and took us to Maastricht Holland!!! (I love that that is just 20 minutes away) They have a whole bunch of sales going on right now and so of course we did some shopping! We went back to her house which is about a half hour from mine, and we had pizza with her host brothers and made no-bake cookies with frosted flakes... the Belgians weren't a fan of the cookies, but we had a blast making them! I spent the night at her house and the next morning we just hung out until I had to go home. I took the train and the bus and I think for the first time yet, there were no problems, like delays or stalls, with getting home :) I got home and opened a wonderful package from my aunt and uncle! Then Norbert, Gene and their kids, David 16 and Lea 11 came over for dinner-- they are very close family friends and the kindest people ever! We had a lovely dinner with them and around midnight we all finally went to sleep.
Tonight I am babysitting for the same family that I did last time and then I am looking forward to celebrating the New Year 7 hours before everyone in Missouri :) Around the holidays I missed you all very much, but just know that I am really a member of this family and was treated with incredible kindness! Oh and the title of the blog, Vive le Vent is Jingle Bells in French :)

MON ANNIVERSAIRE Belgium Style!!!

Well I just left you all on the edge of your seats waiting to hear how that soiree last Saturday went... well all I can say is that these Belgians know how to party!! The event was red and black flapper themed so everyone was looking smashing, and by everyone I mean about 50 guests ranging from a few months to eighties! The evening was filled with dancing, drinking, laughing, and music and with me being the honorary American, I was passed around from one person to the next on the dance floor! It was obviously an absolute blast because by the time Ben, Nicole, Pauline, and I climbed into the mini-cooper it was almost 3 in the morning!!! :)

Normal people might have decided to sleep in that Sunday morning, but Pauline and I had no intention of such nonsense. We were picked up at 9:30 and went to Liege with three guy friends to see the new Harry Potter movie, and although the French accents were a little odd, it wasn't hard to follow and was really fun! Differences between Belgian and American movie theaters: 1. The chairs are a million times more comfortable 2. You do not leave your trash where you sat 3. There is no globs of melted butter drenching your popcorn. That afternoon I really wanted to just come home and take a nap but finals week was starting the next day so I forced myself to study a little. That night we had dinner with Nicole's godson and all went to bed before 9!

Monday we had a half day to get ready for finals week and in my politics class my teacher was explaining the laws of paternal and maternal rights, and claiming a child as your own and such, and so she started making a whole diagram on the blackboard, but to be festive-- she used Mary, Jesus, and Joseph! We were in hysterics when Joseph started having a side relationship with Mary Magdalene, but still wanted to claim Jesus as is son when God was really the father!! Those are moments that I am really glad that I understand French :) Anyway, after school I went to Vise with Nicole and bought a winter coat!! It is big and down and WARM! Very, very content :) Then we went to a shoe store where a friend of the family Gene works (Norbert's wife) and I was just looking around while Nicole and Gene chatted... after about 2 minutes I realized that this was way out of my budget so I got a little nervous when Nicole asked if I found anything. I politely said everything was beautiful, but she was insistent and they made me try on a gorgeous pair of boots and in the end Nicole offered them to me as my gift for under the Christmas Tree. This family makes me want to be a better person because they are quite honestly the most kind and generous people ever :)

Tuesday I had my math final, which I passed easily, followed by my French final Wednesday (an in class essay on discrimination) which I thought went well, and Thursday was Psychology which I also felt very good about! In the midst of those finals about a foot of snow fell!!! And on top of that, the Commune ran out of ice-- so the danger level is definitely heightened for now; however, I am at least nice and warm in my new coat :)

Now what you all have been waiting for... DECEMBER 17th I TURNED 19!!! :) I started my day off by waiting at the bus stop for a bus that never came, but no worries, Fredo came a picked me up and took me to the train station. I took the train to Liege and spent a very snowy afternoon shopping and drinking tea in an adorable little cafe with my wonderful friends Mollie and Mallory. I left around 5 and with train delays (because I always have issues with public transportation) I got home at almost 7. I was told to be ready at 8:15 but I didn't know for what... In the midst of Skyping Sam I heard Nicole call me. I quickly went downstairs where I saw a group of family and friends in the dark, each with a glowing candle, singing happy birthday! I was SHOCKED! Even Mollie and Mallory were there, although they had both said they were busy! And my friends Christine and Celine from school too! We enjoyed a grand dinner together followed by a mousse au chocolat dessert :) Everyone left around midnight and I stayed up with Mollie and Mallory until way too early in the morning! It was an incredible surprise :)

The next morning the three M's went outside and played in the snow because it was a crystal clear day and we couldn't resist! They both left around 5 and I didn't do much besides rest.
Sunday, today, it may seem impossible, however we are currently getting another 20 centimeters of SNOW! I just came back from a run, I even wore my spikes but it was incredibly difficult! A route that usually takes me 20 minutes took me 45- I guess this is why my family was laughing at me when I said that I was going on a run... Oh well, I am warm now!

I had a fantastic birthday weekend and am enjoying the crazy snow that we are being blessed with! At least I am never thirsty! After four months in Belgium I have really started to feel like this is my home and am just so happy with my life every single day. Sending warm thoughts to you all!

Tis the Season!

Well I left off with going to a band concert... this is a whole new experience for me because I have never played in a community band, so I have never been a part of concerts where there were flyers and you had to travel long distances to your venue and such, it is a very different type of band. Nevertheless, I love it! These are some of the warmest people you will ever meet, which was really nice because we played in a very old church and thus heating was limited and of course it's below freezing outside! Although we were terribly out of tune, we given very good reviews and it was a really fun night! I didn't get home until about 12:30- Belgians are night owls! Every event, even when older people are in the mix, lasts until 12 at the earliest-- if you ever thought that the elderly can't party it up, come to this country!

Saturday I woke up and went to the first swim practice since the pool has been re-modeled... can't say that I notice a giant difference, but it's nice to know we are keeping things fresh. After that I did my usual Saturday afternoon activity, cleaning my room, and then Nicole and Pauline and I went into Verviers to go dress shopping for a theme party which is actually tonight, and Mallory met us there! We all went home and just hung out, talked about the weather, and went to bed anticipating the next day!

Sunday we woke up to SNOW!!! When I say snow, I mean snow! And it just kept coming!!! By the afternoon while we went on a snowy walk and attempted sledding on old farm equipment (shovels and siding) snow was already up to my mid calf! I think in total we had around 10 inches. Playing in snow isn't all that we did though... we played with cows too! Mallory loves cows, always has, and so we did all the fun farm activities-- feeding cows, petting cows, riding (well behaved) cows, driving the tractor, and playing on the tractor :) After a long, cold day we came inside and made a chocolate cake without a recipe (thanks to cooking class it came out incredible!) Then we sat around my room and did homework and chatted- just like it will be next year when we are roommates (if I haven't mentioned, Mallory and I will be rooming together next year at University of Arkansas). We thought because of all the snow she might be stuck at our house again but sadly her host dad made it here and she left around 9.

Monday I was praying for a snow day, but those don't exist here... So off to school we went, but it wasn't bad because it was ST. NICHOLAS DAY! I have never celebrated St. Nic's day, but here they love St. Nicholas more than Papa Noel (Santa)! He came to school and gave us candy, and then when Pauline and I got home we both had candies and a bonhomme (typical pastry that goes really well with cow's milk hot chocolate- mmmm) in our rooms :) There is a song that you have to sing over and over the night before for him to come, and I have learned some of it now which is fun!

Tuesday was Nicole's birthday- 48 years (yes, she is named Nicole after St. Nicholas) and after a COLD track practice we went to the pool that we have swim team at and St. Nicholas came there as well and gave us more candy, a team swim cap, and goggles :) We had a fancy family dinner to celebrate.

Both Wednesday and Thursday weren't really exciting except for that I came home from school early feeling very under the weather. I think that it is a mixture of weather and running from point A to B, but now I am feeling a little more perky.

Yesterday, Friday, we had our last gym class for the year and we all went to the pool and had to swim 400 meters, 16 lengths, continuously and as fast as possible (we are preparing for our Triathlon test in June). I won! I am not very fast, but then again I am not a swimmer... I did 400m in 8 mins 54 sec. After that, I had band, and guess who came again!! St. Nicholas!!! They really love this holiday... he gave us more candy and another bonhomme! I came home and added the candy to the communal pot in the kitchen because keeping it in my room is dangerous!

Tonight we are going to a "Flapper Themed" and all red and black surprise party for Pauline's god-mother. The party is apparently in a house that looks like a castle so I am excited :) Pauline and I have matching little red dresses with black boas! Should be a blast!

So I am wishing everyone a wonderful St. Nicholas, hoping no one gets sick, and sending good luck for everyone on exams.... Tis the Season! :)

I'm Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving....

Well this has just been a week of holidays, festivities, and new experiences!
After a bone-chilling track work out, I went with a family friend, Norbert and his daughter, Lea, to pick up Jordan from the train station! We were late because of a snow storm, so the poor girl waited there for 45 minutes, but all was wonderful in the end! We came home and discovered that Nicole speaks a lot better German than she had led on- in fact, she is basically fluent which is amazing because she and Jordan can chat all the time!
Friday morning we woke up and took the bus and the train to BRUSSELS! We dressed really warm, long underwear, and had a blast just playing around in the city. Jordan had her first Belgian waffle, and then her second which was a lot better, we saw all the famous stuff, and after four hours we were too cold, and we took the train and bus home again! That night I had to go to band practice so I left Jordan to peel apples and make pie crusts; I left band early and came home and the whole family, plus friends, came into the kitchen and worked until almost 1 am making 3 pies and tons of mashed potatoes!!! It was really fun though- everyone really started getting into the Thanksgiving spirit which just made it really feel like home :)
Saturday morning we woke up to a very white countryside, and then proceeded to go on a very snowy and icy run-- very slippery too, there might have been a little girl named Jordan who took a little tumble, but we're young, she popped right back up! Then we came home and went with Pauline and Fredo to get the turkey and some other groceries-- and we found Ocean Spray Cranberries!!! That entire day we cooked! Around three, Mallory and Mollie came over and some other exchange student from Taiwan, we worked our derrieres off until 6 when we got ready for the 25 guests to arrive!!!
The evening went off perfectly-- we had a feast of a beautiful turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, salads, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, sauted green beans, rolls and apple, chocolate pudding, and pumpkin pies. We all went around and said what we were thankful for which was really sweet, and after dinner we all played a giant game of pictionnary- youth vs adults! It was just so nice and family focused which was wonderful; everyone left around 12:30 and Mallory, Mollie, Jordan, and I all crammed into my room and fell asleep.
Sunday we woke up early and all got ready for a Rotary function- Le Diner Exotique- which is a lunch where everyone from each country brings traditional plates from their home and your parents and friends are all invited to enjoy the flavors from around the world. It was a really cool idea-- we brought some Thanksgiving leftovers (we weren't the only ones) and of course served a lot of PB&J sandwiches... After that, I was sad to have to say goodbye to Jordan, Mollie, and Mallory-- we have so much fun together and didn't really want to leave!
Since Monday we have had some crazy weather! It has been snowing everyday and about 12 degrees F-- I am cold and think I am getting sick from running in this weather!
Yesterday I went to Germany with the Rotary! In fact, we went to Aachen, which is about 30 minutes from my house (so crazy how close I am to another country!), to see Le Marche de Noel, which are in a lot of cities right now, but they are basically lots of little shops set up selling holiday things from scarves to chocolates and everything in between! It was three long hours walking around in the cold, but I am getting used to just dealing with the cold and not letting it get in the way of enjoying everyday!
Tomorrow is my first band concert- wish me luck! We are going to be playing Christmas songs and will have a choir sing with us for some! I am hoping we go sledding sometime this weekend and maybe ice skating too! Send warm thoughts :)

It is Fun to be the Expert Sometimes

Well I have to say, I was skeptical of this Opera business, but it turned out to be really great! I was so thankful that I took the Rotary men's advice and Wikipediaed (that's a verb now right?) the storyline before- it was actually the Opera that Rent was based off of, although this time they were dying of TB not AIDS. Anyway- it turned out to be a lovely, although tiring evening.
Thursday in cuisine class we made pizzas from scratch which was fun- we even practiced twirling them like real Italian pizzerias (I wasn't so skilled). I have now become the "honorary onion cutter" in the class- kids just marvel over my knife skills :) Thanks dad! That night we had a wild track practice in the famous Belgian fog! I couldn't see 50 meters in front of me and my watch fogged up- of course as runners we prevailed but it was wild!
Friday it was St. Nicholas' Day at school which is basically Senior day. We all dress up in white doctors lab coats and have our friends sign them, then we get to school early in the morning and party, then when all the other kids arrive around 8 we make them pay us to get off the bus, we throw flour in their hair, hair color, lipstick on their faces, and the mean boys go as far as to crack eggs on others (I did not do that!). We have two very productive hours of class...... or not. Then there is a big skit and dancing and we get to leave at noon. Most people go to a tavern together, but I had planned on taking a bus to Liege to see Harry Potter! Long story short- I am horrible at this public transportation thing, and I ended up going way out past Liege to no-man's land and then coming home... 3 hours of travel and no Potter. Oh well- live and learn. That night was band- we have a concert coming up so I am really excited!
Saturday morning I woke up early (8am- say what you will) and took a bus and train successfully into Liege to meet Mollie and Mallory. We did some grocery shopping for dinner, went to Mollie's house, went on a long run in the surprisingly nice weather, and then hung out until it was time to start cooking. We made a WONDERFUL Mexican feast for her family with the help of ingredients that my mom had sent me (thanks mom!) and for dessert, chocolate cake! It was really fun to finally be the know-it-alls and show these Belgians something totally new! That night we watched "Le Chorist" in French (really good) and went to bed early...not. We get along great! It is really fun because we go in and out of French and English together- they are by far my best friends here and I think this year wouldn't be nearly as fun without them.
Sunday I took the train home at 10:30 and went straight to the Oxfam breakfast. I was not there to eat; I was volunteering to wash dishes- it was a fair trade fundraiser and I love love love community service so it felt great! After that I planned my entire Thanksgiving meal and guest list... it keeps growing- now about 24... YIKES!
Monday I rushed home after school because Fernand Biname (the Rotary Chairman of my district) came over at 4:30. I had organized this interview with him because for my year-long project at school that every senior does on a subject of his/her choice I have picked the Rotary. Right now we have to conduct interviews with someone involved with our subject. I was really nervous, but he was very informative and stayed for two hours helping me!
Yesterday I was homesick a little bit for the very first time. I think I was just thinking about everyone going home for Thanksgiving :( I talked to my friends here and Nicole and they were all so nice and comforting that I really felt better fast. I know there will be tough times, but this is an experience of a lifetime and I can't let it pass me by- it's already going too fast!
Tomorrow Jordan Berger comes to Belgium for our Thanksgiving weekend!!!! :-) Can't wait!!!

Maybe I Should Start Learning a Little German....

Well well well... the winter days have come and are here to stay. I wake up in the dark and get home in the dark, most days barely get above freezing, and Belgium is famous for their fog and I have to say that it is astounding! Yesterday I was at track practice and while running on the track you couldn't see anyone 50 meters in front of you, and I couldn't even see my watch! Although we are having an early winter, that hasn't stopped me from living a very fun and busy life!
Last week I tried to catch up on a little sleep Monday and Tuesday but then Wednesday I was off and running again! In the afternoon I took the train to Liege with Pauline; she met up with her friends and I met up with mine and after a few hours of shopping we all met up to catch the bus home. My really good friend Mollie came home with us and just as we arrived we left again to go see the musical "La Melodie de Bonheur" or "The Sound of Music".  It was really fun to hear all the songs in French and notice that the translations are far from exact. It was late so Mollie spent the night and in the morning we had pastries and took her to the train station and then our neighbor picked me up to take me to Germany to Jordan Berger's house!!!
Our neighbor grew up bilingual with French and German so he was so helpful! I was really proud of myself though that I could sit in a car with someone and talk non-stop for two hours from everything to politics to weather.
I arrived in Germany Thursday afternoon and after a tour of the house Jordan and I started prepping our Thanksgiving dinner! That night we did aerobics and watched a movie. Friday was the big cooking day and in the midst we went on a run, to school for an hour and taught a little English lesson to neighborhood girls. In the evening, we served mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, stuffing, turkey, and apple pie for seven people and we were a HIT! Despite not following any real recipes, our food turned out delicious! The turkey was juicy and the stuffing wasn't dry-- success : ) However, now we know why no one ever wants to host Thanksgiving because we were exhausted afterwards!!
Saturday we woke up and took the train with Carey and Flavia, exchangers from Nebraska and Brazil respectively, to Dusseldorf. It took about 2.5 hours on the train so we didn't have much time there, but it was a pretty city and fun to walk around in the rain! That night we were tired and we just hung out. Sunday afternoon I took a train to the Belgium-Germany border where Nicole picked me up. I was so happy to be back in Belgium with my family and speaking French again! It was an awesome weekend, but I really missed the farm : )
Tonight I am going to the Opera with the Rotary. We are going to see "La Bohême Puccini" which apparently is the most commonly performed opera in America... It's apparently a love story, ending with the woman dying- cool. Kidding- it should be fun! 
Send dry and warm thoughts my way!! : )

LONDON Baby :-)

It's not everyday that you leave your "home" in Belgium to go LONDON- I must have done something really good in my past life to deserve such a wonderful gift.

From the top- Wednesday night I spent the night again at my friend Mollie's house because she lives much closer to the train station and we had to catch our train Thursday morning at 6:30 am. In the morning, we sleepily took a 45 min train from Liege to Namur where we boarded a double-decker tour bus with about 60-70 exchange students and took the bus to Calais, France where we boarded the ferry. It was a beautiful day outside and we all wanted to stretch our legs so we roamed the boat and enjoyed the very windy but worthwhile views from the deck. After about 90 mins we were greeted by the White Cliffs of Dover in England! We got back on the bus and drove a few hours to Canterbury where we had guided tours of the Canterbury Cathedral- it was stunning. We had some free time to see the lovely city after that and then we all hopped on the bus again and drove to London! We arrived in the dark which was cool because we saw Big Ben and the Eye of London all lite up and glimmering. The Rotex (ex-exchange students between 20-22 years old who organized the trip) gave us each 10 pound for dinner so a group of 10 Americans/Australians found a little mom and pop restaurant and we ate an "English Breakfast" :) We finally took the bus to our hotel where I shared a room with a girl from New York, and my new best friends, Mollie from Manhattan Kansas and Mallory from Kansas City Missouri. Maybe it's because we're all mid-western or maybe because we all have "M" names, but we have become best friends in just two months! I love being with them- you really miss having close friends when you're so far away so they are a blessing!

The next morning we woke up at 7am and took the bus to Windsor Castle-- unfortunately I didn't get to meet the queen, but we took a long tour with individual head-sets and then took pictures with the guards which is so touristy but a must-do :) We got money again for lunch so we found a darling panini shop and then did a little shopping! The next stop was Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum which was SO creepy and fun at the same time! I felt so silly because I was really getting an adrennaline rush, as if I was actually meeting these famous people because they are incredibly life-like; it was the coolest museum I have ever been in. Next we had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe of London (fun fact: it was the very first Hard Rock Cafe) and then we went to the theater to see "Blood Brothers" which was absolutely wonderful-- I laughed, I cried, it was a great evening. 

Saturday we regretted not going to sleep until 4 in the morning when our 7am wake-up call came, but we managed to grab a cup of tea and get going. From about 11-2 we took a walking tour around everywhere you would ever want to see in London- Big Ben, Thames River, Parliament, Buckingham Palace etc- and then we had lunch and could pick a museum to see, my friends and I chose the Tate Modern. After some art culture we utilized our free metro passes to explore London on our own from 4-10:30. Mollie, Mallory, our Canadian friend Christian, and I walked around, shopped, went to a pub, ate fish and chips, and had our final cup of London tea before we loaded on the bus that night and headed home. 

After the bus, ferry, and two trains, I got home at 10am Sunday morning and went straight to church with Benoit because there was a French Horn concert that happens just once a year and he wanted me to see it- he is so kind :) Right after there was a horse parade because it was the "blessing of the animals" but after an hour of watching horses I told him that I needed to go home and take a nap...

While the trip was exhausting, I enjoyed it a million times more than I thought I would! London is a picture perfect city and I was among lovely company; what more could you possibly ask for?? 

Thursday I am packing up the suitcase again and heading off to Germany to visit Jordan Berger! Life is good :)

TRADITION! Tradition!

Happy November everyone! Can't believe that it came so quickly!
I left you when I was going off to a race and the results were splendid :) I ran with a friend of mine from track and her 13 year old little sister- we all stayed together and were the top three females to finish! Unfortunately the newspaper didn't show up, but that was ok because afterwards we were drenched from running in the rain and I was really not looking my best for an interview :)
About a week ago we went to visit Benoit's god-daughter in the hospital because she just had a baby boy, Diego (Belgians are puzzled at the name as well). I thought it was really interesting to talk about the differences in hospitals- two big ones: 1. They are a lot less sterile. 2. New mothers stay there between 6-10 days after giving birth! My mom here said she stayed 8 days with both of her girls! Wow.
Last Monday was my very grown-up day. After school I took the bus to the train station and took a 1.5 hour train to Brussels where I planned on meeting up with my foreign exchange student from 2 years ago from Sweden, Moa. I was almost to Brussels when I realized that my "pre-paid" phone had no more money left on it so I had no way of contacting Moa and even better- we hadn't decided on a meeting place yet so I had no where to go in the biggest city in Belgium... alone. Deep breathes. No one would lone me a phone although I asked very politely, and there aren't pay phones on every corner like in New York... so I thought to go to the place where there would be lots of tourists, the grand plaza, and find someone with a phone who speaks English and could understand my sap story. I found a mother and grandmother who were there from Pennsylvania visiting the grand-daughter- they were so kind and although they didn't have a phone, they showed me to the police station to use one. Finally-- I got ahold of Moa, and we had a lovely evening together! I came back on the train at close to midnight but it was really worth the stressful trip :)
Part of the reason for my title of this post is that in my band class here we are starting to play Fiddler on the Roof, and I just love my band. They are all so sweet and I have made some really great friends and learned a lot!
The second reason for the title is that this weekend, with the help of my wonderful aunt Kathy who sent me a giant Halloween care package, I brought the Halloween tradition to Belgium! Saturday after swimming I hopped on the train to Liege- normally a 20 minute ride, but of course with my travel luck, we had a break down and were stalled for two hours... HOWEVER I made it! I met my friend Mollie who is from Kansas and our friend Dominique who is from Australia and we went back to Mollie's host family where we immediately started cooking a Halloween feast of chili, cornbread, and apple pie :) The family thought it was a hit! And we were pretty proud of ourselves too! That night we stayed up until 4:30am watching scary movies- I don't even like scary movies- but it was fun! Thank goodness time changed the next morning so we got an extra hour of sleep! Sunday we carved pumpkins and went to a party at Mollie's host sister's friend. We all got really decked out- facepaint and costumes- and all of us, ages 16-18, went tock-tocking! We collected a lot of candy despite how unpopular the holiday is here and that night we watched the entire Sound of Music! Monday Mollie and I went on a hike in the beautiful woods with all the leaves orange and yellow! That night for dinner I was served RABBIT! I was scared, but it was actually really good- I thought it was ironic that they served cooked carrots with it... food chain united :) Tuesday morning I left Mollie's house and finally came home to the farm!
I've really enjoyed bringing some of America to Belgium; I think it brings us closer together as people and it also makes this place really feel like home. My next stop is London on Thursday! I can't wait!

TWO months in! And a totally flip from Summer to Winter...

Sorry for the giant delay-- I will try to stay more punctual with weekly posts :)
I am getting really used to reading temperatures in Celcius- the system makes sense actually because when you're taking the bus to school and you see that it is 1 degree outside, it's really cold! Yes... we have already entered the scarf, hat, and coat wearing weather- I can say that one item of clothing that I have yet to touch are my shorts and flip flops... oh well- it's a good thing I know how to layer from years of backpacking trips (thanks Dad)!
We have had some very important anniversaries around the house this last week. Oct 13th was my sister Pauline's 16th birthday so we had Chinese food (her request) the night of and that weekend we went out to a restaurant with family and friends. Although she can now legally drink and work, sixteen is not that big of a celebration here like it is in America. The 14th was Margaret the Cow's one month mark-- my how she's grown! And I'm pretty sure she'll be an award winning cow if she has the chance to compete... but I suppose I'm bias... Finally- Benoit and Nicole celebrated 22 years of marriage and I think that they are just as in love as the day they met. They are such loving couple- it's really sweet.
I don't think I would ever call myself a shy person, but getting in front of the whole class to speak- in a foreign language- wracks up some nerves... Well I've done that a lot lately. I am taking a drama class here and we are doing improv so not only do I speak in front of everyone, but I don't have time to plan!!! (In retrospect this is probably a good lesson for me in letting go of control once in awhile). Then last Tuesday I did a presentation to my whole class of the USA and my life- everything from family and school to government. It took 25 PowerPoint slides and 2 hours, but the class loved it and my teacher wants me to present to other classes as well!
I love going to the pre-school every Monday morning! Some of the kids even know my name by now and know that I will be the one to read lots of stories to them! One little girl even cried when I left- so that's a good sign I guess :)
In school here there aren't substitutes really, so when a teacher isn't there for a week, like this past week, and you have her for 10 hours of classes a week, you get a lot of free time! One day I didn't have school at all! And then of course I spent the day working on the farm with Benoit which I love, but it was a hard day, my back was so sore from shoveling, not to mention that it was so cold AND there was a major hail storm!!! Hey- at least now I know the word for hail!
The best moment of these past days was going to the Natasha St Pier, a Canadian-French singer's, concert-- for free! My Rotary club offered me and the two other girls in the club free 50 Euro tickets! It was so fun! And I had recently bought her CD while I was searching for French music I liked so I was singing along with the rest of the Belgians :)
Well I am off to run a race this afternoon with my Track club, apparently the newspaper is going to be there to interview me- Yikes! The pressure!! Hopefully all goes well, although I am sure it will, this country never lets me down :)

I'm about two seconds away from singing to birds and talking to mice...

Yes-- life here is so close to a fairy tale it's scary...

In this past week I have had a lot of time with the Rotary exchange students which has been fun and productive because now my blazer is SO full with pin that I could probably really hurt someone! Wednesday after school we went to a World War II Fort which was somewhat astonishing that people can live for years in essentially a cave. I was feeling antsy to get back out into the sunshine just after two hours- I can't imagine what life was like for the soldiers... afterward was great because we got to play with the cutest donkeys ever, we went on a beautiful hike among all the trees that are already changing colors, and then we got pie! That night I made me specialty, quiche from scratch, for the family- another huge success : )

It's really fun here when a teacher is sick or has a meeting because you just don't have class!! It's great for us too because we have two teachers that are pregnant so we are getting a lot of free time at school where I answer a multitude of questions about America for all my Belgian friends!

Friday, I went over to a friend of mine, Celine's, house for dinner with our group of friends and then we all dressed up into tacky outfits and went to the soiree Kitch which is just a big tacky dance party! It was so packed with people that we had to go outside just to breathe about every 10 minutes but it was still a blast!

Saturday I woke up at 5am to catch the train to Namur where I met up with the Rotary kids again and we saw the Parliament of Namur and then took a 2 hour boat ride in the 70 degree, cloudless, sunny day! It was blissful and afterwards we got waffles so you really can't complain!

Sunday morning I ran a 7K race that was only open to women. There were 205 participants and I came in 2nd place!!! Not too shabby : ) In the afternoon I was cleaning my room and Nicole tock tocked on my door and told me to come downstairs-- so I walk downstairs and there in a horse-drawn carriage standing in the lush green grass with blue skies all around waiting to take me on an hour long ride! My counselor here has horses and thought that I would enjoy a little Sunday afternoon ride!! What a dream!

Today I started working at the pre-school that is a block away from my school. I get to go over there every Monday from 9-11 instead of taking English classes at school. The kids are 18mo-3yrs and I am enjoying learning the words for bib, pacifier and other baby vocabulary!

Time is flying by so I am trying to soak up every minute, but I really do feel like I am just in a fairy tale because everything here is so beautiful and quaint. And really, who would complain about living in a fairy tale for a year : )

I Am Really Becoming Belgian!

SO sorry for the delayed post! As usual, things are crazy busy on the farm and it's always hard to find a good time to write, but here are some fun new updates...

I have started, and almost finished, my first novel for school. It is called "Le Bruit des Trousseaux" by Philip Claudel and it is about his experience in prison. I am very pleased that I am getting through it fairly easily, needless to say, I read with my little dictionary right next to me, but it is good and I am happy that I haven't had too much trouble!

Last weekend was "La Fete de Thimister" which is the town party for my little village! It is very similar to our Greentree Festival or a Fall Fest. It was really fun-- very American except for the fact that they have waffles instead of funnel cakes : ) There were lots of rides, gambling games, prizes to be won, and a big fireworks display! The last day of the Fete there was "Le Case du Savon" or the Soapbox Race. The main street, a giant hill,  was blocked off and people work all year building a creative race car-- ages ranged from 8 to at least 50 and everyone in the town comes out on the Wednesday afternoon to cheer on the cars as they come down the hill! It's quite the show!

One evening, I went out with Nicole and Pauline and a friend Odile, and we went to my very first fashion show! It was really entertaining! There was a long runway, music, and lights- it was the real deal! Nicole kept on telling me to keep a look-out because this is the style for this winter and we want to be looking good! I'm starting to discover how to not stick out like a sore thumb now and becoming a little more Belgian everyday.

One other change that I have had to my school schedule is that I am now taking "Technique d'Expression" which is like a drama and public speaking class. I think that it will be really fun and hopefully it'll help my French as well; although, I am really happy with how my language skills are coming along. I sometimes catch myself just speaking and not thinking about how to conjugate each verb, or what tense to use, and I am surprised how quickly I am becoming so comfortable with the language. It's great though because then I really fit in!

This past Saturday, I went with seven members of my Track team, and we ran a marathon relay! We each ended up running equal parts of the mileage and as a team we came in 4th out of about 40 teams! The course was in the woods and was really muddy so it just made it that much more entertaining, and as usual, we ate waffles afterwards so it's always worth the work!! That same evening, the family and I went to Justine's, my sister who is doing her exchange in Texas right now, English teacher's home for a lovely exotic dinner. They were a very interesting couple who do a lot of work in South Africa, so it was a really nice evening.

Sunday I went to a member of my Rotary club's farm because he had all the Rotary men and their families over for an afternoon of eating, cow watching, and of course some more prairie golfing! It was a gorgeous day and I have met a lot of people who are all willing to take me to different places-- I might be going to Holland and Germany fairly soon!

Finally, today, I made the cut.... a new haircut for the year! I think that Nicole, a hairdresser, how convenient, took off about 4 or 5 inches! I like the new look and I think it kind of symbolizes me taking the plunge and being immersed in the Belgian life! I still wake up every morning and look out my window over rolling green pastures and think how lucky I am to have landed in this incredible country! I couldn't be happier!

One Month in and it Still Feels Like Heaven

So after having been here for a month I would've thought that things would have calmed down some and I would have a little more free time, but these Belgians are all about staying busy! It's great though; I rather be busy than bored : )
I have joined the community band (there are no bands in school) which meets every Friday night from 8-11! I did not bring my French Horn so I'm borrowing one, and while it isn't as wonderful as my horn at home I am just happy to be playing music! Last Friday was really fun; there are people ages 12-85 and just like all the people in Belgium, they are so kind and welcoming! By the end of the night it was like I was part of the family already!
Saturday after swim team I... BABYSAT! Leave it to me to already have a babysitting job after being here just one month! I watched Sarah 10 and Elisa 7, who, because of their dad's job, go to an English speaking school so they are both fluent in French, English, and Nearlandaise as well! I was relieved knowing that they could translate for me if I needed it but we actually spoke French all night! It was fun, plus 35 euros is nice!
Sunday morning I went to Liege with a friend of the family, Manu, for La Forme du Coeur- a 7K race! It was a beautiful day and I guess a good day to run because there were 677 participants and I was first for 18 and under girls and the 5th woman overall! Not too shabby I thought! After that, I went straight home, changed, and my counselor, Jean Marie picked me up to go Golfing... Belgian golfing. You start by putting on a sweater and boots, then you put on a pair of boots, then you take your club- a big wooden stick with a wooden foot on the end- and ball- somewhat like a soccer ball, and you go out into a giant dairy farm and golf among the cows, poop, and barbed wire! It was SO fun! An indescribable experience really.
Tuesday Track team started and I am really glad to have some runner friends now so that I don't have to always run by myself! It is a co-ed team and while the workout was hard it was definitely fun!
Wednesday I decided to meet up with my friend Mollie who is from Kansas in Liege to go shopping! It was a beautiful day and we both bought winter coats in preparation for a Belgian winter! I felt very grown up because to get home from Liege I took the train and two buses all by myself and I made it just fine! How European : )
I have changed my schedule to allow for some fun classes- more gym and cooking classes and less science and religion! Cooking class is great! I am really learning the metric system and how to make a stellar quiche Lorraine- maybe I'll be a cooking teacher instead of a French teacher! Who knows : )
All I can say is that I have learned so much already after this first month! At night it's hard to quiet my mind because I am thinking so much, not just about language, but about life too. This experience is making me so much more aware of who I am and who I want to be. I feel blessed to be able to take a year to just soak in the wonderful life I have been given. I think finding peace and calm and time to just enjoy life can be really difficult, but here I have time to truly appreciate every minute.

The Name 'Margaret' is Spreading Like Wild Fire!

It has only been a few days since I last wrote, but some exciting things have been happening in the little town of Thimister!
I had mentioned that I was interviewed after the race last Friday... well there was an article printed ABOUT ME! Anytime you are in the newspaper it is thrilling, but to be in the newspaper in Belgium!!! The whole family was overjoyed! We've been passing it around to everyone; can you imagine, an article in French, with Margaret Gender as the title! The most entertaining part however is that the article note that I am from "Visconsin"... not only is that not where I am from, but it doesn't exist... we think that the interviewer must have just been a little confused, which between my panting after running and my accent, is highly understandable! Nevertheless- I was in the paper :)
Secondly, I have a very exciting announcement... The 14th of September, 2010 at 11:30 in the afternoon, a little girl was born. Weighing in at an estimated 35-40 kilos, black with just a few white spots, Margaret the cow has arrived!!! YAHOO! I have a cow named after me!!! And the great part is, baby girls get to stay on the farm, unlike little James who was sold off the the meat farm, so Margaret will stay here for years to come :) Unfortunately, I was at school so I missed the live birth, but I visit her everyday and we are great friends already.
My next goal is to get a city named after me... I'm thinking Brussels is so last year; Margaret, Belgium sound like a great capitol! :) Having a grand old time in this wonderful country!

Belgium: from Underground to High Above!

Well I have had an eventful week... School is getting better with time. I am making more friends and am becoming more than just the kid you go to when you have questions in English class, and more of a friend and a true classmate to all the 21 other people in my class!
Tuesday, I came in from a run and was stretching inside when all of the sudden Pauline comes rushing in screaming to come quick! So we run outside and there is a GIANT red hot air balloon soaring right over the farm- it was so close that I thought we could almost touch it! Apparently Benoit shares my love for hot air balloons and has gone in one before and would love to go again so we're going to try to go together!! How cool!!
Wednesday school ends at noon, and from 2-6 there was a Rotary activity. They try to have activities at least once a month on Wednesdays so we have something to do. We all met in Liege at the train station, I was supposed to take the train from where I live to Liege, but Benoit was running late so we missed the train! He felt horrible and drove another 25 minutes to get me to Liege! It was nice to see all the Rotary kids. We loaded onto a bus and went off to the Blegny Mine which I thought would be a lot less interesting than it was! It was actually really cool! First we got to wear hardhats and mining jackets (I love a new outfit:) and then we descended 60 meters into a coal mine; I took the tour guided in French, and the guide was very nice and very informative. Fact: They used to use horses to haul coal in the mine and they got the horse into the mine by putting them standing up in the elevator! The horses stayed in the mines until they died because they couldn't haul those things in and out every day! It was great- and afterwards we got waffles so that was amazing! That night I made dinner for the family and some visiting friends; spaghetti with an eggplant and zucchini tomato sauce... let's just say there wasn't a speck left! :)
Thursday at school my class went on an all-day field trip to a giant (6 story) library, Chiroux, in Liege. We are doing all year research projects on a topic of our choice and were getting lots of information. It was very cool. My topic is the evolution of language; how we learn it and they want me to talk about how the Rotary expands our language opportunities and connects us.
Friday was a big day! I went to school and then at 7pm I ran my first race in Belgium! It was called Le Jogging du Cidre, and was 8,4km all around my little village. The weather was great and a friend of the family rode his scooter through the course with a giant American flag cheering me on! There were 130 people in the race; I was 5/15 in my category. After the race I was interviewed for the newspaper!!! And then, there was a raffle and I won a 3 piece gourmet bowl set! I think it'll go well in the new kitchen:) I rushed home, showered, Nicole did my hair, and I met Pauline and friends at a dance party! I crashed at one in the morning, but it was a great day!
Saturday was SO sunny! We had swimming which was easier than the first day, I worked on the farm, and that night I was invited to go to a very fancy dinner with Nicole, Benoit, and their friends. They had a big gift card to this fancy restaurant, so we enjoyed a very long dinner together- we didn't get home until 12:30 but it was lovely!
There is so much to smile about here! The people are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Everyone is so genuine and just so happy with life- you just can't help but love life!

Experiencing the real "Full House"

We have had so much going on in this 338 year old house that I can hardly tell who is living here or who is just passing through anymore!
Wednesday night, Laura and Louise, sisters from Ireland, came and stayed with us.  They are part of EYBS (European Young Breeders School) and while they have a dairy farm of their own, they travel around Europe showing cows from all over. They stayed with us in Pauline's room from Wednesday- Saturday night; and thus, Pauline and I shared my bed which was slightly terrifying because it is a twin size bunk-bed, 5.5 feet off the ground, and slightly wobbly... But we managed!
Thursday school was a half day again, and just the level 6 (me) and the level 3 (the youngest at school) went. We are the oldest in the school and so we gave tours and words of advice to the little ones; I thought it was a little ironic that I was there to be giving advice! When I got home it was SUNNY, so I went on a long run and then afterwards I got to drive the tractor!!! Good thing I know how to drive a manual transmission or else that would've been embarrassing!
Friday was the first full day of school. I am in the normal level 6 French class which is really tough!! My brain was definitely exhausted after thinking so hard for the whole day! Since Wednesday we've been tearing out our old kitchen and building a modern one-- there have been so many electricians, plumbers, and carpenters... all related to Benoit (who we call le roi de Belgique or the king of Belgium) somehow!
Saturday was gorgeous again! It was the first day of swimming club! I wasn't in the same group as Pauline and thus I was with all boys, so I had to swim fast to keep up! It was tough but I liked it : ) Nicole cut my hair in the afternoon-- now I have bangs like all the other girls! That evening we went to where the state fair would be held and sampled food from all the countries that were involved in the cow show! It was delicious!
Sunday was the long anticipated State Fair! Louise and Laura both took first in their classes! There were tons of cows, horses, pigs, chickens-- so much to do, we were there from 11-7! Just like our state fairs-- minus SO much fried food : ) We are finally moved back into our new kitchen and it's just lovely!
Today, Monday, school started up again, and I am starting to get the hang of it. I feel like I am understanding the fast paced talking more and more. The sun shone all day which I loved! I just got back from a run and tonight we are going to a gym to lift weights with my friend from school, Celine! I hopefully will manage to get a little sleep as well! I am very happy and trying to live every moment to the fullest!

Thank Goodness for Umbrellas!

So sorry for the delay! I have been so busy during the day and trying to catch a little sleep at night! I left you last Friday night where I was going to a sports event; the event was actually a giant track meet with participants from all over the world! It was so much fun; however, it was long (as track meets tend to be) and Pauline and I were under dressed for the surprisingly cold "summer" weather! I did get to see an American set the World Record for the Shot Put (22.16m) which was very exciting!
This past weekend, I woke up early and drove down to a city called Huy where we had our 1630 Rotary District Conference all day Saturday and Sunday. The conference was actually held in a boarding school so we each were assigned a private room which was nice. Saturday we heard lots of presentations about the rules, conferences to come, trip opportunities, and traveling. It wasn't the most entertaining day, but we were able to trade lots of pins for our blazers so now my blazer is covered : ) That evening there was a DJ and free refreshments until midnight! I remember thinking while I was dancing how few people ever get the opportunity to dance alongside people from Australia, India, Asia, Finland, Canada, New Zealand, and South America! I think the Rotary is incredible for giving people opportunities just like those. Sunday we listened to more presentations and our host parents all came so we were able to meet our parents from all three families. I still love my first family the best, but of course I know every family will have something wonderful to offer.
Monday I finally got my Belgian credit card and chose my classes for school- I will be in Technique Sociale. Then I went shopping all day in Liege with Pauline and Nicole! I bought too much but this money feels like Monopoly money! I can't help to think it's not real!!! That night Nicole made an incredible zucchini quiche!
Tuesday morning we went into Verviers, a city near us, and waited in a very long line to get my bus pass! I no longer have to pay when we take the bus! Yay! That afternoon, Pauline, her friend Charlotte, me, and my friend Celine went to a city called Spa, and we went to a SPA! There were heated indoor and outdoor pools, dry and wet saunas, and comfy chairs with warming lights! It was the perfect thing to do to relax before school starts!
Today, Wednesday, was my first day of school! I was of course nervous, and even more so because I am getting sick, I have a sore throat and got a migraine last night : / We primped until the minute we had to rush off to the bus and I went to a little tour for all the new students. At 9h00 we all went to class, you stay with the same people all day, and I met my contact teacher and French and Science teacher. She was very nice and went over everything for the year. I am glad I sit next to Celine because it's a little difficult to keep up! School only goes until 12 Wednesdays so we came home for lunch and now are cleaning because two girls are coming in from Ireland tonight to stay with us until Sunday. They are showing cows at a big fair and Benoit said he'd host English speakers because I can translate. Hopefully I translate well! The only thing I am missing is the lack of sunshine! As I write this it is actually sunny; however, I have been getting great use out of my umbrella! Despite the rainy weather, I'm still having a blast!!!

Lots of Public Transportation!!

Well, I think that when I get home I am definitely going to miss all this public transportation! Why does St. Louis not have more of it!?! It is really wonderful!
Tuesday, I went on a run on le Chemin. It runs right along the back of our house so it is very accessible; I think that it is very similar to the Katy trail. Lots of bikers, walkers, runners, and the occasional horse. It was lovely. Then I got to go on a long bike ride on the same trail that afternoon with a girl named Celine, who will be going to my school this year. She was very very kind and we became friends very quickly. That evening was my first Rotary meeting-- and we thought that meetings at Greenbriar were nice, this place is a gated mansion!! It was really fun-- I met a lot of people who are willing to help me, and they all complimented me on my French which was encouraging :)
Wednesday we woke up very early, 6:30am, to take the train to Brussels for an afternoon of shopping, picture taking, and fun! I went with Pauline, and friends Gauthier and Odile. They were all very very nice and included me in everything. We stopped at a cafe in the afternoon for fun Belgian drinks as well which was lovely!!! We didn't end up getting home until about 8 and then I stopped by a woman who Nicole cuts her hair, and we talked with her whole family because her daughter was in town who did Rotary in Nebraska, married an American, and now the two are raising their 2 daughters bi-lingually! They were very sweet. Unfortunately, we found out that my sister failed her exams and will now have to go to my school this year :( She's very sad.
Thursday, I took the bus and the train to Brussels again for the Rotary meeting with all the Belgian exchange students. We saw the Hotel de Ville and the Parliament. It was fun, but I missed speaking French all day! It was weird with so much english, but most people know hardly any french yet!! I am very lucky I think!!
Today, Friday I am taking the bus to Brussels a third time to see a big sporting event. I really don't know the details but they say that I will love it because I am athletic! I hope so! I am having a blast and wake up everyday smiling!!

Totally exhausted but having a blast!

Ok, I have been incredibly busy but I will attempt to catch you all up.... Although I was very tired, I did go to the dance Friday night, which was actually really fun! It was called a Soirée Mousse so about every five minutes they sprayed everyone with foamy bath bubbles! We were soaking by the end!
Saturday I had to sleep in until noon because I was utterly exhausted, but my family understood completely so they let me sleep. I woke up, and from noon till about 8:30 that evening I worked on the farm with my dad, Benoit and some friends who work there, Fredo and Gauthier. I know so much about cows! It's crazy; I never thought that I would have already learned so much!!! And after a hard day of working my mom, Nicole drew me a bubble bath :) Now that's the life! Then Benoit, Nicole, and my sister Pauline and I went out to a very fancy dinner, with four courses,  and ended up not getting home until about midnight! It was still a wonderful day, and I learned so so much.
Sunday I got up at a reasonable hour, 8:45, and because Pauline failed her big exam at the end of the year, she has been studying really hard because for the re-takes, and couldn't do anything, so I spent the whole day with Benoit and Nicole. We drove about 40 minutes to a big open air market and bought fresh fruits and vegetables, and then we went to see "the smallest village in the world". I don't know what constitutes a village or if it really is the smallest, but it was really cute, we went on a hike, had a picnic, and looked around in all the little shops. When we came home, Nicole took me on a little bike ride to meet Celine who will be in my class-- I am really glad that I know someone in my class now! Then, we came back and had dinner, and Benoit told me that that evening a baby cow was going to be born and he asked if I'd like to come see-- so OF COURSE I SAID YES!! So that night at about midnight he said that the baby was coming, so we got dressed and hurried out there and  I saw this baby cow coming out! It was gross, but also so cool! It was a little boy, and they had just asked that day what my brother's name was, so they named the baby cow James:) That was really fun!
Ok so today, Monday, I ran a lot of errands with Nicole, we went to the bank to set up an account, the grocery store, set up a cellphone account, and then I got to see my school! There was a problem though, the school said I wasn't enrolled, but we had all my papers and we showed them! Nicole was very proud that we showed them that we were right! Then in the afternoon I worked in the farm with Benoit; I am really getting really good at setting up the machines to milk the cows and I am getting used to the smell!
It has been wonderful-- I am really looking forward to this next week!

I Have Arrived!!!!

After a very long day of flying and layovers, I have finally arrived in my home for the next year.  I was blessed as well because my family told me that it has been rainy for the last 3 days, but today is bright blue skies and sunshine!
My family met me at the airport with flowers and their little dog, Choupette and then we looked for their brand new car which is a silvery gold mini cooper! So fun! I landed at about 7:15 so on the way back home from the airport (about an hour drive) we stopped at a little cafe and had Pain au Chocolat or a croissant with chocolate inside. When I got to our house it was like a fairy tale. There are green pastures surrounding my big stone house that it over a hundred years old.
My mom Nicole had to go to work in her hair dressing salon and my dad Benoit had to go work on the farm. After I unpacked, my 15 year old sister Pauline and I took a walk and we visited her grandma who lives about a half mile away. When we came home I met some of my Pauline's friends, Audelle and Gauthier. Around 12:30 Nicole came home and we all had salmon for lunch, it was delicious!
Then Pauline, Gauthier, and I took the bus into town to go shopping. When we were coming back I started realizing just how tired I was! I am looking forward to taking a nap in a minute. Tonight Pauline has invited me to a dance which she is super excited about because normally her parents don't allow her to go to them because she's too young, but they're making an exception because I'm here. I am having fun and hope to continue to!

Eight Days Until I Depart!!

(This is a picture from my Bon Voyage party. My close friend Jordan,on the left, is also doing Rotary and will be staying in Germany next year.)


Just over a week and I will be in Belgium! There is still so much to do! saying goodbye to all my friends and family is just around the corner and I know that that is going to probably the most difficult part of my adventure to date, but I know I am ready! Right now I am trying to figure out how to set up absentee voting because I want to stay politically on top of things in America. I am also realizing that I have over-packed! How do people expect an 18 year old girl to pack for a year?? They've got to be nuts! More to come soon, the adventure is just beginning!