It's been a while!

I know it has been a while since my last blog post, and I am very sorry for that. It has been hectic and confusing and all in all the most crazy few months of my life. I have been going to school and working on virtual school as well as trying to squeeze in a couple naps here and there. I also began taking cello lessons before my fall break, and they have been amazing so far! I will be going to orchestra on Friday nights starting this week.

 Believe it or not, I have finished 1/3 of my exchange year so far. I have been here for 3.5 months, and it has definitely been difficult. They warned us at orientation that the third and fourth months are always the hardest because things start to settle down and homesickness sets in. Of course, they were completely right! Many of the other exchange students agree with me when I try to explain how much I miss home. I have never been on such a crazy emotional roller coaster. Mostly I miss the familiarity of my home, my school, and my city. However, I hope that by the end of this year I will not want to leave Germany! :)

I have made a few friends at school, and everyone at school is very nice. I am attempting to exercise more because of all the yummy food in Germany, and I might even look into some nearby swim teams. I think keeping myself busy is the best medicine for missing home. I am excited for the holidays though too, and I think they will be very fun! I will be having a Thanksgiving at my host home the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but it will definitely be weird going to school on Thanksgiving. Since Christmas is my favorite holiday, I am super excited to celebrate and discover new traditions. I am especially excited to visit some Christmas markets and bake new Christmas cookies! I believe some of my family is going to visit in January, and that makes me extremely excited! I cannot wait to hug them again. It is really weird to think about the fact that I haven't hugged them in almost 4 months.

I promise the next post will come sooner! I miss you all, and I hope you have a wonderful week.