Less Wise?

I know the French medical system inside and out, upside down and backwards. I can tell you where it hurts, how it hurts, why it hurts, and whatI want you to do about it. I can do pharmacy trips by myself, I can follow medicine schedules. I can have stomach aches, bad colds, x-rays, and wisdom teeth surgery. I can tell you anything you could possibly want to know about my medical history, but I please, don't ask me to conjugate in the subjunctive.

It is really amazing how much one's vocabulary differs based on their situation. My friend Bridget can give you the name of any children's toy, game, or favorite tv show in the blink of an eye (this is due to her 4 year old host brother). And me, well I could practically be a doctor at this point.

I had my wisdom teeth out on Monday. All 4 of them. I got all swollen up like a hamster, and I am now sporting a beautiful blue/brown bruise on my cheek. La Mode.

On Wednesday we are headed down to Moncrabeau (Host fathers parents house). It is in the south of Bordeaux. We will stay there for about 5 days, then drive back up. I am really excited. It is a tiny village of about 500 people, in the farm country. I can't wait! I will take lots of photos.

On February 6th I hit the halfway mark.

I look back on my time here, and realize how much I have changed. How much older I am, the situations I can deal with, my level of French, my friendships, but above all, just how much I have grown up.

I am no sure how I feel about it being halfway through. I have printed out some of my favourite pictures from the last 6 months, and put them up in my room. Looking back it feels like yesterday, but years and years ago. My mind is stuffed full of memories.

I said goodbye to a very good friend last week, and another one this Monday. (Australians leave in Feb.). And it is incredible to think that they were at my spot when I first met them. I remember thinking that Carmelle was so French, so settled, so grown up. Well, that's me now.

My new family is incredibly supportive about my exchange. They understand that this period is a bit difficult. My host dad and I have really great talks about friendships, travels, and growing up.

When I signed up for this exchange, a year and a half ago, I signed up for an opportunity to study abroad for a year. I signed up to learn a new language, and live in another culture.
Now I skype the friends in Australia and Argentina, chat with Switzerland and Denmark, email Taiwan, and text Italy. My best friend from Florida, and I have a friend on EVERY continent (minus Antarctica). Rotary, I signed up for a year long exchange, but you have given me so much more.

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity.

-arlie.