The moment when someone you’ve looked up to your whole life tells you that they feel inspired by a decision you’ve made.
Growing up, I wanted to be a movie star; I envisioned myself being interviewed by Oprah and winning academy awards. I could not envision any other life for myself other than a famous one, yet I could never quite figure out for myself why I craved fame so badly. The only possible underlying reason I can come up with now, at 17, is that I wanted to somehow change the world.
And I still do, but before I could feel content as the small human being that I am, I had to realize that within “the” world, there are billions and billions of worlds, each created and being experienced by a different individual. I probably will not have a direct affect on over 99% of those billions and billions, but for the few that I have been honored to come in contact with, I feel that I have changed the world. Be it making them feel loved or helping them to further achieve happiness, for at least a couple of people, I have made a difference, and that is enough for me to feel motivated to keep on keeping on.

Richard and his younger brother came to visit me today in Muehlhausen. They asked if there were any lakes around and, being the out-of-towner that I am, I said no, but of course my host mom informed me that there was (huh, she could have let me know a little sooner). Anyway, we rode our bikes there - because in Germany, everything you need is within biking or walking distance, and when I say need, I am not including such materialistic things like fashion latest trends - and the first thing I see, bathing in the sunlight, is a beautiful German woman, slender like all the others, with dishwater blonde hair. No where around was a sign stating that nudity was or was not permitted because it doesn’t matter. My friends and I bathed for a few moments in the cold water then quickly got it, parting ways after this for supper. I guess I just love nudity and living where I can see for miles and being able to walk safely to the things I need. It’s nice here, peaceful.


Though the boredom I am feeling at the moment makes me sad sometimes, living in a rural suburb without means of using the bus yet, my surrounding fields always cheer me up. Right now, I'm almost 2 weeks strong without binging, but it's not like I'm even trying not to- just works that way right now. I am feeling happier and healthier... and shyer haha my German is not as good as I'd thought. As of right now, I only hope to survive my first day of school. I am content.

An explanation of everything so far: the flight from O'Hare to Philepelphia went without problems, but when we got there, our flight to Frankfurt was delayed 2 hours, causing us to almost miss our flight to Munich BUT we got on. Once I was on the plane, I truly felt like a foreigner: everyone was staring at us in our blazers, speaking German. I made friends with the boy sitting next to me, so I hope he will someday show me around Munich. My host family is great; I have become good friends with my two host brothers. My dad speaks more English than my mom, but I am able to communicate with them pretty well. Last night, we had white sausage and pretzels for dinner, and today, I helped cook a plum cake and spaghetti for lunch. Now, my parents have gone to an anniversary party, so I am home with my brothers, playing cards. Everything is beautiful here; I have my own room and bathroom. As the days go by, I will become more and more comfortable with everything. For now, I am happy to have studied as much German as I did. There is not much more for me to say at the moment. I am a bit nervous to start school, to make friends, but I know that I will be okay. I cannot believe I am finally here.