23 more days!!!!

After MONTHS of anticipation, I have FINALLY received a warm introduction from my Italian host family. I am so excited!!! My family consists of Maurizio(daddy), Daniela(mummy), Camilla (my 12 year old sister), Umberto(grandpa), and dog Didone(Dido)!! They have insisted that I call them by their family names and they have, so conveniently, nicknamed me "Missy"! :)

Here is a picture of the beautiful ladies that I will be living with.
 Daniela and Camilla!

One thing that was very comforting ,while reading their letter, was how family oriented they seem to be! They said that they would like for me to always try to eat with them every morning and every night, and at night we will discuss our days with each other!

After emailing back and fourth a few times I am beginning to see how welcoming and sweet they are. They are genuinely happy for me to come! Everyone seems to know English pretty well, except for grandpa... but he looks like a hoot!!

 Here's the picture they sent me of Camilla and grandpa! 

They told me that they live in a small town right outside of Carpi in a house with a garden and Camilla attends the middle school there. Although I am working with Elementary schoolers, I plan on spending a lot of time with her, Daniela told me that Camilla is especially excited for me to come. Ever since they contacted me early yesterday(Tuesday) morning, I can't seem to think of much else. I am thinking about meals to make them, gifts to bring, activities to do... So many thoughts running through my head... constantly. 

(Maurizio)

I asked them if they had anything in particular that they would like for me to bring, and Camilla said that she wanted a "Where's Waldo" book!! So, I'll be getting that from Barnes and Noble tonight. They also mentioned that they would like to try American apple pie and cheesecake. 

----If you have any yummy "American" recipes or ideas on what I should take with me leave me a note!!! 

I will for sure deck them out in MIZZOU!!!!!!! :)

They assured me that they have unlimited internet access at home so that was a relief. So, I will for sure stay connected with you guys while I am there. I will take lots of pictures and hopefully have many stories to tell.

I am sooooo excited!! 

As my Italian host family said in their email to me, "Counting the days.."

Much love,

Missy

(Camilla and Dodino)

I'm going to ITALY!

As most of you may know, I am going to ITALY in May! Not just to be a geeky tourist and go sight seeing, but to teach!! I will live with an Italian host family (which I am SUPER psyched about) and teach in the Italian school system of a small town in Northeastern Italy called Carpi. No, Not Capri! Carpi.. Confusing I know! :)

One of our main assignments for this study abroad program is to keep a blog to help us share our thoughts and experiences during this journey- before, during, and after our trip to Italy!

Perhaps, one of the most important, yet tedious, parts of this whole thing is the preparation for the trip:
Learning the language, researching the culture, figuring out how to communicate AND teach English to Italian kids, and most of all preparing myself mentally for the total immersion into a whole new culture.

This blog will allow you to ride along with me as I face new challenges, share new insights, and most importantly grow.

HERE WE GOOO!!!!