An open letter for my first host family

They say that the first few months of one's exchange year is always the hardest. I guess it is just right that I address this letter to the people who were there for me throughtout this challenging stage.

Thank you, Herve, Blandine, Marjolaine, Marianne, Florentine, and everyone in your family for accepting me whole heartedly. My 4 month stay in your home was unforgettable that it still makes me cry until now. Thank you for dealing with my bad French from day one 'til that third of January that I had to leave Chamalieres. Thank you for making it a point that I had people to run to when I thought I had no one to be with. Thank you for making an effort to make me feel like there is home in a country so far away from the Philippines. I am happy to have learned the basics of French life and culture with all of you. Like all of the families who accepted exchange students like me into their lives, I know that you have changed and arranged your routine and daily normal living for me, that, though it was difficult, thank you for never making me feel as if it was.

Home was something I've always wanted to find since I got here. Home is what I miss the most. There, I found home in France. I felt that I was genuinely loved and cared for. Something I didn't quite expect at the beginning. I have shared a lot of experiences with you. I will miss french lessons and dinners with Blandine when Herve works longer than usual. I will miss work out nights at Amazonia with Herve. I will miss that feeling of excitement when Marianne comes home from Nancy. I will miss the friendship I have shared with Marjo, our hot choco afternoons and late night talks.

We all know that this will come. I never imagined how difficult it would be to leave the things I got used to live with again. I felt like I was leaving home again for the second time around. When Blandine called me earlier this afternoon, tears fell on the corner of my eye because I have felt her sincerity through the line. Same goes when I see Marjo at school and when Herve sends me a message, I will just suddenly realize that the people that I have considered family since I started living this new life are no longer the people I get to share my everyday with. It's a bit sad, yes, but I'd rather look back at it with so much joy and gratitude. Again, Thank you, for those meaningful and unforgettable 4 months. When I will look back on my exchange year, remember that I will always remember you all with a smile on my face, and I will never forget how much I was greatly loved and how much I have loved in this country.

From the bottom of my heart, Merci et Je vous aime.

Love,

Aleix

#changingfamilies