Donnerstag & Freitag

Leaving and saying goodbye was very hard. It was a strange feeling, because I felt like I wanted to stay in the life I was so used to and comfortable with, and then feeling a sense of longing to move forward, on to another journey. After getting on the airplane in Seattle to Germany, I already felt like I accomplished something huge, I was totally putting myself out there, and exceeding my limits. If you know me, I love my friends and family to infinity, and leaving my home was dificult because I have grown attached to it. Feeling attached is not a good feeling, it made leaving harder. Every moment on the plane I chose to let go of things I have been holding on to, and thoughts that were in my head. I did not let go of the relationships, I will always treasure those in my heart. I read the letters you guys gave me and words cannot describe how blessed I feel for having such incredible friends and family supporting me, and it helped me to keep going. I want to thank everyone who came to the airport with me to send me off to Switzerland: My mom, Jeremy, Cheri, Keeva, Lucas, Jvu, Sarah, and Austin. On the airplane I met a wonderful girl named Thereza and she was leaving Washington to go home to Germany from a 2 month exchange she did in Spokane. She was so funny and we had a good time watching movies together and talking about life. Each plane ride went very smoothly with no complications.

Anywayssssss.... I am currently in Switzerland! It feels so good! The family is very open and welcoming, and I feel right at home here. My host mom picked me up from the airport, and we went and did some arrands around Mellingen, such as getting a GA picture, and registering my visa. I met my host brother Eric later on in the evening because he was at work when I arrived. It felt good to meet him, he is very nice.

The house is so beautiful, and so is the scenery! The small town of Mellingen is where my house is, it is 10-15 minutes outside of Baden. I took pictures, I will post those soon once my laptop's internet connection starts working. I also have a bathroom of my own, and a comfortable room with a balcony overlooking a beautiful view of my village. My host mom made a great meal of sausage, potatoes, and salad last night and a pie. It was so good!

As some of you might know, my German is pretty much non existent. Sense yesterday was my first day here, my family introduced me to new words, but we mainly spoke in english to get familiar here. I will put effort in everyday to understand German, I love hearing people speak it, and I am excited to learn.

I start language school on Monday in Baden for 3-4 weeks. I will study German there with other Rotary exchange students, and tomorrow I am going to an Rotary orientation to meet all the Rotary exchange students in Switzerland.

please leave your home address if you read this because I will try to write letters in my free time for the future.

I love all you guys!
Tschus!

My Address is..

Joelle Friend
Sonnenbergstrasse 5
CH-5507 Mellingen AG
Switzerland