3 Month Mark

I have hit the 3 month in Chile. It literally feels just like yesterday that I was crying my eyes out saying goodbye to my parents for the year as I got in line for security at the airport. Tears of sadness and excitement. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew I was about to have the experience of a lifetime. Time is going by extremely fast, but I am loving every single minute. I am so happy with where I am. There have been many ups and downs in my exchange. Days where I wish I could just be back in Vermont. Days where I wish I already spoke fluent Spanish. Days where I could be joking around with friends from home. Although there have been downs, there have been so many ups. All I need to do is go look around and just say to myself, "I am 16 years old studying abroad in a foreign country." And I feel pretty good about myself and where I am at. The happiest I've ever been.

In the last 3 months I really have had memories that will last forever. I have taken thousands of pictures of basically every moment. I have made friends that I already know I will never be able to say goodbye too. Friends for a lifetime, I feel like I have known them forever. I don't know what I would do without them. My family continues to support me as I try my best to learn their language and communicate with them. They are extremely patient with me and I feel at home. They continue to put a smile on my face everyday and that is what is most important to me.

My Spanish is coming along. I wish it where better, but I know it takes some time. It's difficult and the language barrier is tough.  It is hard to not be able to say what is on your mind or to express your emotions the way you wish you could. I just tell myself that one day I will be able to say everything I want and that that day is getting closer and closer. I look forward to dreaming in Spanish!

Most importantly, thank you to my parents at home. Not a day goes by that I don't think about them both and miss them. I want to thank them for being able to give me this opportunity of a lifetime. All of their support keeps me going. I hope I am making them proud! I can't wait until they visit and I can show them my life for the past year. That day when they are in Chile will be here before I know it. I also want to thank them for their very generous care packages. I love them all. I love you Mom and Dad, and thank you so much. It means the world to me to be able to be studying abroad. A dream come true thanks to the both of you. I love you both!