5980 Miles

It has officially been a month living in Russia, I love it. 5980 miles away from home isn't easy but it's worth while. When I first arrived in Voronezh, I was told that my host family was on vacation and so I would be staying with another girl's family until they came back. A week or two later I was asked if I would be content staying where I was. I loved where I was and agreed. I don't know if my original family ever came back from vacation, or if they choose not to host me anymore but I do know that I am grateful to be where I am. I have a great host family: A host mom, Tanya that always keeps ice cream in the freezer and tells us that when we are sad, homesick or crying to eat ice cream and watch TV.  A little host sister Zhenya, who is the most energetic and happy girl who loves taking us exploring around the city. I have learned that I love having a little sister who does my hair, paints my nails, gives me face masks, teaches me Russian, and watches movies with me. Sundays are our days to spend time together and go out exploring. Although my host mom doesn't speak any English I have learned to communicate with her. I honestly have no idea how I understand what she is saying but I do. We have great conversations and I love when she tells me of the city and shows me pictures of what we will do and where we will go. She makes amazing food, and never wastes. If we don't finish a dish the next day she will have made an entire new dish with the left overs. Tanya and Zhenya are both really thoughtful and pick up on what I like instantly. One day I bought a bag of popcorn as a snack for a trip to the River. The next day Tanya came home from the market with bags of popcorn for us to eat as snacks. Another time Lalee (the other teacher who I live with) and I picked out a juice to take on a picnic, ever since that day we have had the exact same brand of juice in the fridge for us to drink. I'm super grateful that this family of two choose to double their family and host two young American girls. I was worried about coming to a foreign country and live with people I have never met, but since being here all of my worries have disappeared. I can't wait for more adventures with my new family.

Advice from a girl who finally has a little sister:
be willing to spend time with your family-even if that means playing hide-and-seek when you're tired and just want to go to sleep-it will make the best of memories. 

-Laura Burke (soon to be Frazier)