In 5 days....

In 5 days I will be returning home. I am so ecstatic to see my family, Eric, and my friends, all of whom I have missed tremendously!! This week I have been so excited and anxious to come home that it made it difficult at times to focus on studying for my final exams. On Wednesday, I helped to curve that feeling by getting out my suit cases and starting to pack a few things. (I really hope that all of my things fit in my suitcases!! :)) It was really fun that I was close enough to coming home that I could start packing!!

Last night my host mom made dinner for myself and a few friends here. It was a good night of just hanging out being together before we leave. By about last Friday, I realized that I really need to make sure that I truly take the time to "say goodbye" to France and all of the wonderful people that I have met here. With very large finals this week and my excitement to come, I didn't want to simply leave without taking the time to say goodbye. At the same time, I was so excited to be going home!!! :)

This morning I woke up and it is my last Sunday here in Grenoble. Even though the church here is large and I do not know everyone, I have definitely met some priceless people. Some of my friends are gone today due to a convention in a nearby town but, thankfully, I will see them later this week to say goodbye. I woke up with the realization of how much I really am going to miss living here.

I am going to miss the boulangeries filled with really yummy fresh made bread. I am going to miss the beautiful architecture and the aesthetics of their cities. I am going to miss the train system and being able to ride the train for a few hours through the French countryside to experience another great French town or even a different country! I am very much going to miss hearing the French language and having the opportunity to speak it (no matter how rocky my attempt may be). I am going to miss seeing the mountains! I am going to miss the cafes and having the preference to sit outdoors at a restaurant when the weather is nice. I am going to miss greeting each other with the "bisous" (kiss on each cheek) ... even though it has often been a very awkward cultural thing, I have gotten used to it. And most of all, I am going to miss the wonderful people that I have met here who have shown me what the French culture is.

I will never forget my experience here in France. It has definitely given me perspective not only on the French culture but, my own culture, the vast geographical size of our country, and the world as a whole. God, thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity to have lived here. I have learned so much and am grateful beyond words for the experience!

So, France, I will be missing you! For those of you back home, I'll see you on Saturday!!!!!!!!

From France,

Ashlie