Mon Noël en France

It's almost Christmas now, about one week left, and I miss American christmas everyday. But I would'nt want to ever give this year up. I'm trying to live my days here as best I can, enjoying every moment because I know later in my life, i'm going to miss these. I have a bunch of friends now at school, and I enjoy seeing them when I can. But somedays it's impossible being in a school of this size. I saw my first french snow today, it was such a great surprise when I woke up. The christmas trees here are all so tiny, they dont really want to do an extravagant celebration like Americans. My first moving date is in about two weeks, it's insane how i've been here for almost four months. Doing this exchange has made me into such an independent and brave person, going back home will be sad and happy at the same time. I love this country and I know I belong here.

Paris!

I am in the most beautiful city in the world! I can't imagine how my life could be any more perfect right now. I am in love with this city, and one day I WILL live here. Before I left, I had the best excited feeling ever. And now being here is a dream come true. The Eiffel Tower is exactly how I imagined for years. All the old buildings are so amazing too. Sometimes, I remember how extremely lucky I am to be here, and how I waited for this trip for so long. I thank Rotary and my parents (for the money) and host parents for making my wildest dreams come true.

My New Life

I believe I have become completely adjusted to the French culture of kissing and eating bread 24/7. My learning of the language is getting better and going to school isn't the worse thing ever anymore. I have a few people to call "my friends" and sometimes I go into the lovely city of Lyon to have lunch or go shopping with them. Only at the lonely times do I miss America and the people, but I'm pretty sure I will be here for the year.

School.

Today was the first day of school for me, and i only had three classes. I honestly have never been so lost in my life. I just sit there and draw on my paper. Its crazy trying to fit in with their school system, and it defintely makes me want to just know the language already. I think the hardest part is going to be trying to dress up everyday, like the French. Ill get used to it soon, hopefully.

France

I made it to France! Its way different and sometimes very hard to understand. The country is gorgeous and the people are, well, French. The food couldnt get any better than this, but I admit, I miss American food so much. So far im doing great with the language and the locals keep telling me "tres bon accent":)

I'm leaving!

I can't believe it's already time. I leave in a few hours now, so I'm packing it all up. I have an 8-hour flight to Paris and then an 8-hour layover while I wait till my one hour flight to Lyon. I'm so excited, and so ready for this. It's been a long wait and now it's time for me to go. I will miss a lot of American stuff, especially Jimmy Johns, which I will be having as my last meal. So here's Au Revoir until I get to France.

Soon ready to go

Working on the last minute requirements and trying to think about packing! I leave in twenty-nine days and I couldn't be any more excited. But I must say I am completely nervous. This will be my first time flying ever, but hopefully I will have a few fellow students on the same flight.
I can't wait to meet my family. They seem like such nice people! Any day now, I get to finally live with them. I couldn't be any more excited to be in France!

I'm going to France!

I started off last spring with the idea of foreign exchange. My mom contacted the local rotary district to find a representative, and that lead us to the application. It took about a month to finish the tedious job. Once we turned it in, I had a huge interview. The called me less than a week later telling me I was accepted which was in like November. The next hard part was getting all the little details dealt with. I eventually found out that France was chosen for me! Next, I had to get my passport which I have now. And the next step is the Visa! They still haven't found a family for me yet, so hopefully that will happen soon. I leave August 23.