Shopping for gifts

It is a German custom to give a gift to your host or hostess. Yesterday, my mom and I picked out what I will give to the family I will be staying with and the teacher I will be working with. We had a special store in Findley, Ohio in mind. Joined my by sister and nephew, we drove down to the shop and had a lot of luck. To end the suspense, we bought a nice set of table and kitchen linens for both the host family and my teacher. I really hope they like it!

Starting to say Good-bye

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon shopping with my cousins Devon and Danae. We had a blast, but when it was time to leave it hit me that these were the first of many good-byes. Leaving my family will be hard and I will miss them very much. It will be hard for me to miss birthdays, Christmas, my uncle's wedding, a girls weekend in Chicago. But thank goodness to technology. Not only will this blog and my newest love, Skype, keep me in touch back home, but it will allow me to be there for the important days I miss.

Griffin

Griffin sitting up with a little help

As I play and nap with my nephew Griffin, I try to take a mental picture to hold on to for the next ten months. I will miss watching him grow and develop. I will miss his smiles and the adorable faces he makes when he is upset. I will miss him greatly and eagerly await the day that I will see him again.

Home Sweet Home

10 days until I leave!!!! It is hard to believe. At times I am nervous and sad, but then I think of something exciting about Germany - the food, the culture, the atmosphere - and I feel better.