We woke up that morning all laughing and gigging with nerves on how we were going to meet our families. We packed and made sure our outfits represented us. It's silly, but I choose my blue and white stopped dress (Finnish colors right? and it made me feel safe.)
After the meetings the time came and the families were arriving. All the parents had signs with the students name, but I just couldn't find mine! The crowd soon became scarce and some of us ended up on the stairs, otherwise known as the orphanage. I then made a sign which said "Mä olen Annalee." or for all us english speakers "I am Annalee"
It turned out that they were in the parent's meeting but the sign did work. It also made some Finns smile. Goal!
My family is more than I could ever ask for. When being an exchange student, I swear it is the closest thing you can come to being a small child- not being able to speak, know what you eat, understand, being led around blindly. You have to have complete trust in those guiding you. I can assure you that this family, the Sigvarts, have it. ( I don't have any photos due to the chaos of this week but I will post some soon)
When I arrived at the house (again photos soon to come) I found my room was so perfect and modern. I found a yellow bike with a basket for me, and I found a table of Finnish cuisine.
Sari- She is my mom. She has brown hair, is short, and is the kindest woman I have ever met. She works at this place where you sit behind a desk (all I have understood so far) but she took this week off to get everything straightened up. She even took me to school today and is taking me to the train station tomorrow. I am her child. It is one of the greatest feelings I have ever come across.
Mikka- My father. Ah! This man has a humor! He loves American comedy shows and eating healthy. He is the best cook. When I wake up he has breakfast for me! I am going to beat him getting up one of these days to cook for him. He is very caring and helps me get everything together. I am his child as well. When he laughs the whole room is warm.
Salla- My big sister. She is 20 and is going to head off to Scotland for college at the end of this month. When we met she gave me a big hug and I felt truly welcomed. She was on exchange to Australia and she offers me tons of advice. She is the best. I am so lucky to have her.
I NEED A PHOTO OF HER!
Sada- 10 year old younger sister. The life of the party. We can't really talk to each other but boy do we communicate, it consists of a lot of body motion. When I arrived and was unpacking she put my clothes away and said what they were in Finnish so I could learn. Where ever we go she teaches me. I learn most though her. She is lively and takes me and shows me the little things.
This whole experience it seems is about the little things. Learning what makes the Finnish the Finnish. We have so much to learn from everyone. I feel as though this is a home, a koti.
