I have been dreading and putting off writing this blog post. My girl is in Spain! Very exciting for her and for us, as we read her blogs and look at her Facebook posts and pictures. But let me back up a little to the days before her departure. On Sunday, Oct 2, Josie and I drove to Chicago and on Monday we went to the Spanish consulate and picked up her visa. We had a GREAT time in Chicago. On Sunday we had deep dish pepperoni pizza at Giordano's. Looks good doesn't it?
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| Giordano's Pizza |
We then walked around and stopped at Garrett's popcorn, yum! Our next stop was the John Hancock observatory. Josie took some great pics and I hope to post a couple here for you. Here is a pic of Josie with a great Chicago skyline view behind her. We went right before sunset and got pics in daylight, with the sunset and in the dark. If you want to see a great view of Chicago, then this is the place! The observatory is on the 94th floor. I believe this is the second tallest building in Chicago. On the observatory deck there's a gift shop and cafe. We didn't eat there but the food looked good. Josie took a lot of great pictures. As soon as I get them I'll post a couple. Until then, here is one I took of Jo.
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| Josie on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Observatory, Chicago |
Later that evening we walked to the Navy pier and rode the ferris wheel and walked the pier. It was wonderful having the time alone with Josie. The next morning we went to the Art Institute of Chicago, looked around Michigan Ave, picked up her visa and then checked out of our hotel and were on our way out of Chicago by 3:30 pm. Don't even get me started on the traffic!
Josie flew out of Des Moines on Wed, Oct 5 and arrived in Spain on Thurs, Oct 6 and was greeted by her host mom at the Malaga airpot. The goodbyes were tough! It physically hurt. I was an emotional mess! I took Josie through security (since the airline would only give me a gate pass and not both Marvin and I) and when she had to board the airline attendants were nice enough to give her some kleenex and talk to her to get her mind distracted. I think all in all, it went well land she was happy to finally be on her way!
If you would like more details check out
Josie's blog: http://josiethurmond.blogspot.com/.
Josie called when she arrived in Malaga, Spain and I've never been happier to receive a phone call a 3:30 am! Her host mom picked her up and they were on their way. I've e-mailed Jo a couple of times and we've posted back and forth a couple times on Facebook, so that has made it a little easier just knowing she is doing okay.
We all miss Josie. I think even the cats miss her. Lily, our cat, now lets me play fetch with her whereas before it was something she only did with Josie. I think Carolyn and Reece are adapting to Josie being gone as best they can. When Jo was preparing to leave there was a lot of discussion of what we would do with her room. You should understand that we converted the family room to be her bedroom and I've always mourned the loss of the family room. So we had discussed using her bedroom as a family room in her absence, but honestly I can't go into her room without crying and feeling total loss. I feel like I've been going through a sort of grieving process with Jo gone. I know she'll be back, but having forfeited a year with her, not being able to be there for her and missing the opportunities to watch her grow has given me a sense of great loss. But seeing her smile and knowing she is okay is comforting. And I know that God is keeping her safe and guiding her steps.
Sunday is my daughter Carolyns 14th birthday, and I know this is tough for her with Josie not here, so I want to make it special for her, but Carolyn is so unselfish and just says that she has everything she needs and doesn't need anything for her birthday. But I'm going to try a make it a special one to remember.
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| Reece, Josie, and Carolyn at Dsm airport before Josie left for Spain. |
One thing that I have to stay aware of is that this isn't only Josie's exchange. As her family we are greatly impacted by not only her being gone but of a different family dynamic and a change in the households flow. Josie isn't here to help take her brother and sister to practices or to help with homework that mom doesn't get (really missing your help Josie, Reece is dividing decimals - help!). But we are adapting. :)
Josie has been having a great time in Spain and I'll post some of the pics she has posted on her facebook. She started school on Monday and she said that she had a headache all day from trying to understand what everyone was saying. She told me that in French class the teacher kept speaking to her in French and then when it was evident that Jo had no clue what she was saying the teacher explained in Spanish. Yep, you got it, it was clear as mud! lol
Until next time.
Enjoy the pics!
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| Josie and her host mom shopping |
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Josie has been trying a lot of new foods.
This is baby squid, salad with tuna and tomatoes and peppers. |
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(Clockwise) "Duck sandwich", noodles and vegetables, and shrimp.
Josie said it all was, "VERY GOOD!"
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Josie had talked in her blog about all the white building and how pretty they are.
I'm thinking these are them. :) |
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Josie eating with her "aunt".
I think this was her first meal in Spain, "Chinese". |
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Josie or should I say Pepa?
Her family has given her the name Pepa. Cute! |
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| Josie in the mountains with Reina, the family dog. |
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| Josie said that these mountains are just a 15 minute walk from her house. |
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| Josie said she's been walking on the beach daily. |
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| Josie didn't know what this building was, but the building has character, and a cannon! |
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| Jo eating on beach. |
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| Meal on the beach with her host mom and her host moms friends from England. |
