I can't speak for anyone else when I make this post, I can only speak for myself. What I can say, however, is that even though it has only been one full day, I've already learned a lot. Along with learning a lot, there's a lot of trying new things. Which at first was hard, but now with help from my host family has become a whole lot easier. I don't have too much to say since it's only me that I'm writing about, but this quote spoke to me.
"How far we travel in life matters far less than those we meet along the way." - Mark Twain
You never know how much this quote truly means until you study abroad and live with a host family. It's only the first day and I've already experienced so many emotions. When you're away from home and your family every little thing matters to you. For instance, last night it was raining and that made me think of how much my brother loves it when it rains. Or how much my host family tries to make me feel included and support me while I make this very hard transition. This is by far the hardest thing I've ever done, but I wouldn't say I'm not glad I took the leap of faith.
Another very fitting quote is a quote from Nelson Mandela.
"It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela
This couldn't be more true. You can always say you'd like to go study abroad and live with a host family, but it isn't until it's right before you're about to meet them that it truly hits you. Well at least for me, it wasn't until we were on the train ride about ten minutes before we were going to meet them that it truly hit me.
Since I got here, I've tried Turkish food, been exposed to many different scenarios, experienced more than just the German culture, and learned and became a bit more confident with my German along the way. As soon as I get quotes from the others about their experiences, I'll make another blog to put more insight into this trip than just my own personal experience.
Today I was so happy because there was a new post to read and your reflections are so interesting. I am so proud of our Maranacook ambassadors. The weather in Readfield has been cloudy and raining. Your descriptions are bright and full of excitement. It appears that the entire group is participating in a wonderful experience. Please know that you are all missed and the folks back home are proud of you all. Please keep writing and posting photos it gives us all a chance to share in your travels!
I agree that you write beautifully, Ruby. And one thing about personal observations is how often you end up speaking for others. I suspect your colleagues are feeling much the same. Thank you for writing and for sharing your insights. They are as relevant to those of us not there with you as they are to you. Michele
You write beautifully, Ruby! Thank you for sharing your experience traveling to Austria and Germany in this blog. If you or the others would like to visit the middle school upon your return, we would enjoy hearing your stories! Viele Grüße!
Hertzlich! Sehr gut
Ruby, I am so glad that you are able to have this wonderful experience of looking both innside and outside yourself. You and your fellow travelers make us Maranacook folks proud! Thanks for sharing your impressions with us.