I'm in love with cities I've never been to, and people I've never met.

This weekend, I went to Chicago with 7 other exchange students. 
It was an amazing weekend, we saw so much of the city (we walked almost 18 miles) and learned something really important... 

The difference between American and European time! :D

You want to know what the difference is? 
Well, my amazing LC told us that we always have to be on time this weekend - and by 'on time' she means 5 minutes early... 

So what is the well behaving exchange student doing? Being on time of course! And then? Waiting for at least 15 minutes for the LC... ;D 

So after the first day, we figured out the difference ;)
And asked every time we got free time if we are meeting on European or American time :D 

It was just super funny and it kind of made us all laugh every single time :D

It was an amazing time with friends and I can say that we all grew together as friends! I love these guys so much and couldn't be more thankful to know them!!




XOXO
Alina

Four months review

Well, it has been almost 4 months since I left my home in Germany and stepped out of my comfort zone to start the biggest adventure of my young life. 

When I started my new life I kind of changed it completely... From an only child to 3 siblings, up to living in the country instead of the city. 
Even though it was kind of weird sometimes I think I adjusted pretty good.

I mean I can't even nearly describe how I feel right now. It's been so overwhelming and exciting the last few months. 

I don't want to talk about everything I experienced so far.... I sure will, at the end of my American dream from which I actually never ever want to wake up from. 
I more likely want to talk about how much it influenced and changed me already....

From being a rather quiet person in Germany, I was kind of afraid to start completely new... New friends, new country, new language... 
At the point where I decided for myself to step out of my comfort zone I started living... I know, this wouldn't have happened if I would still be in my 'safe environment'.

What I had to learn from the beginning is that you have to trust in other people. I mean you basically move in with complete strangers and kind of expect them to give you a place to sleep, food and make you feel comfortable... 
Even if this sounds weird but you will notice how your host parents become like your second parents and random people at school become your best friends.
You will have inside jokes, get involved and at some point you start feeling like a family member. 

Seriously there is no better feeling in the world than getting hugged by a two year old before he is going to bed... Not because he has to tell you good night but because he wants to!

I finally realized that the only thing that matters is happiness. Nobody needs tons of money or a well trained body or whatever kind of status symbol, when you are not happy. 

And I can proudly say: I am happy! (@Claire: maybe not at six in the morning when the little ones are banging on my door... ;D)

So you could basically say that my first four months taught me how to be comfortable with myself and with others. 
It taught me that I can be successful on my own. As an individual, independent person. 
I now know that I can reach everything as long as I really want it and I'm willing to fight for it. 

I'm sorry this is kind of a cheesy post but before I close it I'd like to become a little bit poetic...
So just think about that: 

'We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.'

XOXO

Alina

Springhill Camp

Hello,
it's me
I was wondering if after all these years... 

Lol jk, I really like Adele's new song. :D
Well, anyways I'm back and I'll tell you what happened to me in the last few days... 

Monday:
The fall sports are over and now the winter sport try outs are starting... On Monday we had Cheer try outs and I actually made the team. *yaaay* 
But together with my host family I decided not to do cheer because it would be too much. I would be out of the house for 14-15 hours (a day!!) and wouldn't really see my host family. And due to the fact that I really like them I will not be a cheerleader this winter... 

Friday:
On Friday afternoon I was going on a trip, in my favorite rocketship
to Spring Hill Camp. 
Well not in a rocketship (dang, I think I have seen too many little kids TV shows... :D)
At 4:30 we met at the Hub and all the little Club 45 kids (4th and 5th grade) came to drive to the Camp. 

Like a well prepared person I had a pedicure right before we left... ;) 
At the Hub we had dinner and then we drove to the Camp... And it was just amazing!!!

We went to our cabins in the snow and then after some worship and free time we finally went to bed (around 1.30 :D)

On Saturday we did a lot of different activities like Zip Lining, flying squirrel or crafts like tie dyeing T-shirts. 
I had a blast and I think I'll post a bunch of pictures because it's easier to see it than just to read it. :)

On Sunday we had only a little bit more worship and drove back home after lunch. 
Now, I'm sitting outside (yeah we have 65 degrees in November) and watch my little host siblings jumping on their trampoline. :)

I'll post again soon

XOXO
Alina