Moving with my Host Family

There is no one way to live your exchange year. The crazy events of being a youth ambassador will pull you every which way; some will end up in large cities, others tiny Dorfs. Some will travel all across Europe, or maybe just across Germany, or mostly stay within their communities. Occasionally a change of scenery will include switching host families. Each path taken is personal, and above all else, very unique with multiple outcomes. An outcome I didn't prepare for, however, was not moving host families, but rather moving with them. 

My host parents and I left our apartment for a house. It was a long process, starting with the idea in December and ending with moving in late April (I could argue it's still ongoing as I haven't completely unpacked yet). When I first heard the news, I was definitely in a bit of shock. It really gave meaning to the phrase “expect the unexpected” we had been told so many times before in language camp. Truth be told, I was a little taken back. With how turbulent my emotions were during the course of my year, especially with “winter blues,” I did not want to readjust to a new setting, and I definitely did not want to have to repack all my luggage. I believe the hardest part was having to come to terms with how many itemsI had acquired in Germany. I am also well acquainted with the art of moving, I had many times before, and I knew how hard it could be, and even more so in a foreign country.

My mind did end up changing. When I put a lens over my perspective, I was able to see it as another adventure in my European journey, or the opportunity to have more space to fill with the plants I’d adopted. I was hooked on the idea when my host parents showed me the house they wanted. It was in the same city, had a big garden, and had a balcony attached to what would be my room. The balcony sold it. The biggest influence for my new mindset though was not the excitement or space (or even the balcony), it was my host family. Here is where I would like to amend the aforementioned phrase: “Expect the unexpected, *and the unexpected within the unexpected.” The city, during the end of us filling out paperwork for purchase, halted the process while they considered buying part of the land to use for public recreation. It was a devastating blow for us. We had already ended the lease on our apartment which meant we had until before May to live there, but then there was the possibility of having no house afterwards to go to. My host parents were very stressed during this span of time. It is just the three of us, and so being around them while this was occurring made me put on a brave face for their sakes. It then occurred to me that I was not scared. My only goal was to support them and their decision, and no matter where we ended up.

It turned out  that we’d get the house, which is where I write from now. We were thankfully able to move in before the lease ended… It was a close call, and the bulk of the work was done during one very hectic week. Some of my stuff is still sitting in boxes. I tell myself it is because I am making it easier for when I must pack for my voyage back to the US, though it might be combined with a lack of motivation. All in all I am glad I went through this process. My balcony is still just as nice as the first time I’d seen it, though sadly my plants aren’t enjoying the direct light, but mostly I am happy I was able to have done it with my host family. Being able to support them during trying times made me feel like I could give back a little of the much they’d given me. I know it was tough for them to search for a home, but with them I felt as though I was already there. In the end I learned to be flexible, to be strong, how to install paneling, and patience in the process. I am really going to miss our new house and the people in it.