Almost Full Circle

My last weekend in Germany has now concluded. I spent the weekend visiting my extended host family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) in Saarland. I had met these people on Christmas and then I saw them one other time in March. We had spoken on the phone occaisionally (every few weeks), and still...I feel like they are my real family. And they ARE a part of my German family! The energy of my younger host cousins was exhausting, but I'm still going to miss them. And I feel lucky to have spent the time that I had with them. They will always be a positive memory and aspect of my experiences from this year. It was particularly a challenge to say good-bye to my Omas (grandmas). I promised that I'll write them, so I'll have a few pen pals when I get home. This weekend is another example of how blessed I am with two families: one in the States and one in Germany. I only took one picture this weekend. But I feel like this weekend will stay in my memory for a while; I hope forever. Conversations, like the ones I've recently had with my family, aren't something you capture in a picture; perhaps a moment of body language, but that can't tell the whole story. I had fun understanding and trying to speak Saarländisch; a dialect that my family can speak. A funny moment was when my Omas and Opa noticed right away that I've gained a little bit of weight. Opa said, "Matt has a belly and butt now." I've come to call my extra weight, "Austauschspeck" or "exchange fat" since it's typical to gain weight when you spend an extended period of time abroad. But just a warning: The older German generation will usually comment on your weight. (My Omas and Opa are happy to know that I'm eating well; and I hope I don't have anymore Austauschspeck in the States. That's why I'm looking forward to swimming.)

But overall in these last few days, I will need to pack my things. Continue to wish everyone the best; and hope to see them sometime again. I imagine the reality and emotions will strike me on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning (it also took that long in September for the reality of a year in Germany to sink in; I mean: It didn't feel real till I was actually in Germany. I imagine it'll be the same way for me in reverse in the plane flying to Washington D.C.). The World Cup is continuing and I'm hoping for the final game to be Germany vs. the Netherlands. My going-away Party is this Wednesday, and we'll be watching the semi-final round: Spain vs. Germany. It's not too hard to figure out what team I'm cheering for. ;) I have a fencing tournament tomorrow within the club, which will probably be the conclusion of my fencing career.

I hope to type up a blog post in the plane, but I can't make any guarantees. But I will promise a reflection on my year will be coming shortly after my return in the US of A. Thanks to everyone who read and supported me through this year!

Schöne Woche! Bis dann!
Matt :-)