Lost in Translation

My first week in Sweden has been a whirlwind! Finally made myself at home, and learning my way around Kumla. I´ve officially started working, and I´ve realized how much I´ve missed working with kids. Charlie and Elias really know who I am now, which makes walks, meals, games, etc. more fun for all! Charlie still speaks to me in only Swedish, but I see everyday improvments on his understanding of english. Since that is all I can speak, he really has no choice :) Elias, the baby, is so much fun. I´ll be spending most my time with him. Typical 1 year old, grabbing and eating everything. It´s been fun finding my way into this family, since they´ve been so helpful and accepting. I know I made the right choice choosing this family!

Last week, I was still adjusting to the culture shock and time change, but things are finally settleing. Sevy, their previous Au Pair, was here for a few days before she returned to Idaho and she showed me the ropes. I also went to Orebrö with her to meet a friend for shopping and lunch. Orebrö is a little larger than Kumla. This is where I take my Swedish language classes. I go every Monday and Tuesday for 6 weeks. Lets just say, it is totally yes, foreign to me! I´m so lost right now, but I´m glad I´m taking something just to get the basics down. I have 2 really cool teachers, who are very patient with their ´special´student :P It really fun, but I have a lot to learn. Pray for me...

I´ve also noticed more interesting things here, that I thought you´d like to hear about. Instead of John Deer, they have Volvo tractors!! Thought the Irelans would love this! The Swedish flag is everywhere. They are very proud people and I love that. They have drop offs for clothes donations right next to the trash and recycle dumpsters. I thought this was genious, since I´m always going through clothes.

I´ve gotten in contact with some of Grandma Mary´s relatives. Think they live about 2 hours north of Kumla. They said there´s plenty of snow where they are, and they can´t wait to meet me. It´s crazy to think, my family is here too. My mom says Grandma would be very proud that I was here. I agree, but think she had a hand in making this happen! I´ve also gotten in touch with my friend Amarachi, who is living in Stockholm studying for a year. She is originally from Nigeria, but we met while working at BGI in SF. Small world!

While I´m at it, just wanted to say thank you for everyone´s love and support to get me here! Whether that meant money for my travels, patience while I figured out my crazy life, or best wishes and prayers. A special thanks to my parents and all my grandparents! None of this would be happening without your love and support! I´m living the dream, and I can only hope to share it with you the best I can! Waiting for my camera to be fixed, but I´ve have pics asap. Sweden isnt going anywhere :D

Btw, almost killed Lasse tonight...he thought he could take the Habanero hot sauce I brought...oops! I warned him, but apparently, it ´wasn´t that bad...´

Until next time...take care!
Jani