I haven’t written about my host family very much, but I am eager to do so. In short, they are wonderful and we get along incredibly [well]. I finally learned my host mother’s name (Teresa) the other day and I think we get along better and better every day. We communicate a bit in Polish, a bit in English, and [with] a lot of signs and patience. She has begun helping me every evening with my Polish homework – she does it very eagerly!

Piotr and I get along better and better too. We have a lot of laughs together and our communication is improving.

One amusing thing that is becoming a regular occurrence in the house is that Piotr talks to his mother in English, saying things that are playfully and lovingly insulting (seems an impossible combination of words). Tonight, for instance, he was carrying on with her about tea. “Can’t you understand that when I create something, when I make something which is entirely new, I want to enjoy it!?” It’s much like I carry on with my own mother, except I do it in her mother tongue.

Getting along so well with my host family really helps to make this a more livable (even enjoyable) experience. Their generosity and flexibility has made my transition into Polish culture much more relaxing. Tonight I thought to myself, “I am living in Poland – and having the time of my life.” (I write that because I’ve ceased thinking “I’m in Poland” and begun realizing “I’m living in Poland.” It caused me a bit of stress initially, but for now I like the thought of it.)