Two Families and an Unexpected Curveball

I've told you a little about the family I will be staying with permanently....but I just realized that most of you have no idea where I am right now. Well you see, I found this wonderful bridge...;-) Actually, I am staying with a temporary family near my language camp--let me tell you about them and fill you in on the "unexpected curveball"

Exactly one week ago, I was greeted by my two host brothers, Sebastian and Alexander, at the train station in Dusseldorf. Less than two hours later, I had reached my first German home in the beautiful town of Bottrop. Here I met my host parents and began to settle into the new culture.

My first few days were wonderful and full of many new and exciting experiences and I was beginning to feel right at home when I received some disappointing news. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, my host family would not be able to keep me the intended three weeks. I was very sad to leave after only a few days in their home, but I'll always be grateful to them for opening their hearts and their  home to me and doing their best to show me as much as they could in such a sort amount of time!

So, now you know where I was and where I'm going.--so, where am I??

I'm in a small town in western Germany (near Aachen) living with another wonderful family of four. My host parents and host brother have been very kind and helpful as I attempt to integrate into their culture...and learn German :-/ My host brother, Marvin, was actually an exchange student to Oregon two years ago and so it is great to see him again and get to know his family. Kira, my host sister, is on vacation right now and will be returning soon so I'm very eager to meet her. 

Well, I'm falling in love with Germany--the gorgeous landscape, the wonderful people, the delicious food, and the interesting culture. Instead of running a 3 mile lap around the "exhilarating" town of Coquille, I'm now running through the fields behind my house. I'll run past a farm with several horses and then come to a small group of European style houses...It definitely beats Figaro's and Fast Gas. :-) And I don't even think I will admit to the amount of bread I've eaten in the last seven days....I'll just say that Germany has a thing or two to teach the U.S. about how to make bread :-)

I have already been in Germany one week and it has gone by faster than I imagined! I know the next two weeks here will rush by at the same pace but I'm doing my best to take in as much as I can and enjoy every moment for as long as I can :-)

As soon as I take some pictures of my current family I will post them :-)