This week in
Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium has gone by unusually fast. We were in a small town
(the hometown of one of our PR’s, which is extra special), just a 20-minute drive
from Brussels. The week overall was wonderful, the shows, the CI sites and the
regional learning were all great, which resulted in a fabulous week.
Arriving on Monday we had a lot of internal
time where we participated in an education workshop that the two education
interns presented. It was about recognizing how we have grown, been challenged
and impacted by others. It was really
good and really intense. It drew up a great deal of emotion considering we only
have 5 weeks left together. We also had time to prepare for Expression Session,
a time where we get to perform whatever we want for each other. I was an
emotional mess before meeting the host families, but I managed to compose
myself and they instantly connected with me as I did with them. I was the first
American they had ever met in person and they just thought it was the coolest
thing and I loved that I could bring the culture of America into their home
just by being myself. Throughout the week I helped the kids with English,
played with their rabbit Dribble, went bowling with them and had some friendly
competition. I ate home cooked meals
that were delightful, went into Brussels and got a small tour of the gorgeous
cities and “must sees” and of course they came to the show and loved it. I
became a role model for the kids and a friend for the parents. It will
definitely be hard to leave tomorrow, but I am sure they will come visit me in
the US someday.
We
had 2 show days, one on Wednesday and one on Saturday. Both days we had to
transform a large empty gymnasium type room into a beautiful stage, but we
managed J We had two great shows full of passion and emotion. One of
them in particular was very special because our vocal instructor performed the
father/son song to his father and it made us fully understand the message of
the song.
Tuesday
I had Study Abroad and then on Thursday I was on striking the stage. I have
already learned so much in my band internship, but I sure hope to start
learning some music on the different instruments. On Friday we had regional
learning and we got to go to a local Belgian Brewery and see how the beer gets
made and yes we got to taste it as well. Simply the best J There is a reason Belgium is known for its chocolate,
waffles and beer, they are something special. Also on Friday we had what we
call “Home Team Olympics.” All fun and games but we take it seriously. If you can imagine a large group of competitive, passionate and enthusiastic
young adults you may begin to understand what an afternoon we had. Let’s just
say we all went home exhausted, some of us a little bruised… I re-strained my shoulder
that had finally got back to normal after last hockey season. Nice work Misa!
Haha
As
usual, Sunday was host family day. Because my family had other plans, I went
into Brussels with friends and their host families. I got to see the King’s
Palace and Courtyard, Delirium (a famous pub in Belgium with over 2,000 types
of beer), both of the “Pis” statues (Mannikin and Jannikin), very interesting
indeed. We soaked up the sun, the gorgeous architecture of Europe and drank
some Belgian beer in good company. In the evening I got to Skype my real family
and see some surprise lovely faces of my extended family! Love you all Wade,
Michele, Connor, Kirklan, Elise, Mike, Kathy, Jacie, Clayton and of course my
real family (Paul, Paula, Justys and Perla).
It
was a wonderful way to end the day and it made me realize how lucky I am to
have people back home who love me and cannot wait to see me. I also have people
who I am with right now who also love and support me and cannot wait to see me
tomorrow morning, even though we have only been away for a day! How incredible!
Now
we move on to our last week in Belgium and last week in Europe! A week from
today we are headed to the wonderful and crazy Mexico! I am so pumped! Cherish
every moment because we only have 5 weeks left. That’s my motto everyday… to
enjoy every precious moment!
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