Home Is Where The Heart Is

            A year in life is sacred. Some years, more than others, we feel like more eventful things took place. We feel some years were unusually prosperous, or successful. Other years we feel like we experienced a lot of difficulties. The fact of the matter is that every year, no matter where or how it is spent, changes and makes us who we are. My year in France certainly did that, and much much more.

            I have been home since June 23^rd. My parents and my best friend Marie came to visit me my last week in France. I took them around Paris and my region. I introduced them to my host families, friends, and everyone else that helped make my year so special. It was fun, but not easy. You could say I had a French test while they were there. I had to translate and interpret for them the entire week. Everyone finally believed me when I said that my parents do not speak French. It was funny mixing my two worlds together, but I am glad I had a chance to share my experiences with them. My mom helped me pack my five, yes five, large suitcases. Then my parents and Marie left France just one day before me.

There are no words to describe that last day I spent in France. I could not believe that the year had actually ended or that I was heading back home to my normal life. It was so hard to believe because my French life felt like my normal life. I tied up some loose ends, like membership cancelations, and then I spent most of the day with my friends. I had lunch and walked around the city with them. I gave them small gifts, and we all tried not to talk about me leaving. At the end of the afternoon, when my friends were waiting on their buses home, we were joking and laughing as if I was just leaving for the weekend. I will never forget that moment of three second silence when their buses pulled up. We all agreed that I would be back, and I knew that they are indeed my true friends, and will always be there waiting for me when I come back.

Early the next morning, my host mother drove me to the airport and gave me a hug goodbye. I had my suitcase that was 49 pounds, (haha to the airline company) I checked in, and I started on a very very very very long journey. I had one flight from a city called Clermont-Ferrand to Paris, Paris to Chicago, Chicago to St. Louis. All of these exchanges took over 24 hours to do! I went through so many random and unsanctioned security checks, and had to pay taxes once I was in the country! But…I was so excited to be home and see my parents in St. Louis, that I kept my cool. Not to mention how excited I was for my shinny new beetle waiting for me in the airport parking lot. J (Thank you again Dad)

The big question everyone has now is: How are you adjusting to being back home? The truth is, it is hard coming back. Only the other exchange students could understand, as it is so hard to explain. I grew up immensely, but I did so in France. I miss that glorious food that taught me how to eat right and well. I miss the cute boutiques that have forever changed my sense of fashion. I miss the nature that taught me how alive the hills are. I miss my school that showed me that hard work can be fun and beneficial at the same time. I miss my host parents that taught me how to handle freedom. I miss my friends, (especially you: Lune, Romane, Romane the sister, Charlene, Juliette, Julien, Augustin, Christine, Jana, and Maggie) who I was able to make, choose, and get to know. It is not easy leaving all of that behind. 

First picture in the US!

God gave me the opportunity to find myself. He blessed me more than anyone could possibly fathom. He gave me a chance to find the real me, and live the life that I have always wanted. I now understand the meaning of the phrase “home is where the heart is.” My home is in the United States of course. I love my country, and I love all of you, but there will always be a piece of my heart in France. There, with all those individuals, places, and adventures that made me who I am today, are what make “ma propre vie” or my one true life.

Thank you all for your support and prayers this year. It brings me joy to know that I am so loved and cared for. It is with all of you that I made it though this year, and it is with all of you that I will make it through the many adventures that are yet to come. I hope that everyone enjoyed my blog, “France, The Rotary and Me,” as I loved sharing how France and the Rotary changed me.

Olivia