Hi Everyone -
I am so embarrassed, and sorry that I have not written in.. 2 months? Forgive me? :)
I have no excuse for the lack of writing, but to say the least, the past 2 months have been FILLED with many fun, sometimes scary, silly, crazy, and memorable adventures. I have traveled to different cities, gone to party after party, faced problems and have over come them, and have truly become a part of an Argentine family.
For the people who have not heard yet, I have changed the length of my stay in Argentina from the 'One year program', to the '6 month program'. My feelings change every single day living here, but I am certain that this is what I need to do. Argentina has been an incredible experience, I have learned more than I thought I could even comprehend, BUT I also was given many, many, different situations than I thought I would have to face, and think enough is enough. I am a very lucky girl that I have been able to live abroad, meet SO many people that I will NEVER forget, and to have been given an experience and the opportunity to live something I had dreamed for all my life.
I have thought a lot about my decision to return home early, and although I am split in so many ways, I know myself incredibly well now, and know this is the right thing to do.
So, with my decision made, and both my families up to date as well, I am trying to enjoy and thrive in every moment I have left here in Argentina. Beside that, of course I am so excited to return home, hug my family and friends till they are tired of me, and START SKIING! Haha :)
I leave Santo Tomé, January 17th, at the night time on a 12 hour bus to Buenos Aires where AFS will meet me, and take me along with 50 other students to a 3 day closing-orientation. Unfortunately AFS was not able to get me a plane ticket with the other 6 month students so on January 20th, when all the other students leave to go home, I will stay with another host family for 4 days in Buenos Aires. I don't have very much information about them, I know there is a Mom, Brother, and a Sister! Although I'm really eager to get home, I think it will be fun to live in the city for 4 days!
My plane leaves from Buenos Aires at 4AM January 24th, and I will arrive in New Hampshire at 4 in the afternoon, the 25th. The following day, the 26th, I need to head back to school! Im sure I will be SO tired, but excited to see everyone!
I have been told I speak Spanish 'beautifully', I would completely consider Justina to be my real sister, and I dance in the streets on the summer nights with my friends every night! I feel like I have lived, and seen what I have been able to see in Argentina, and am looking forward to returning home, STAYING IN TOUCH WITH EVERYONE IN ARGENTINA, and planning my next big adventure.
ALL my love,
Abigail Mauck
Ps. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! It feels weird saying that.. I am sunburned, and in shorts, it is so hott here! How strange :)
