The Summer Cottage: Tea, Books, and cold

Friday, after school we drove out to the cabin. I like to refer to it as Sigvart's Castle because it is so noble. It stands so strong and just gives such a substantial feeling of life.

Meet Nellie, the great dog of the family

You can tell fall is here. All the plants everywhere are different colors. It look like someone repainted the whole landscape. 

had to add my mark

About an hour after we arrived at the cabin, my host father told me it was time to go fishing. This meant we took the row boat out and went spear fishing. Nightime Spear Fishing. Yeah. It was so amazing because all of the stars were out and the fog began to come off of the lake.

I didnt spear a fish but I almost did.

yes. yes. yes. all the chocolate milk. 

I spent the next few days just reading and writing. It  was so relaxing. At one point I took the row boat out and just rowed around listening to music. We sauna and then went swimming in the below fifty degree lake. Seriously, these fins are tough.

Finished two books and I lost count of how many cups of tea. Also wool sweater and socks are the best. 

Sade waved me down at one point to join. She took over rowing... best little sister? yes.

after sauna I wrote some more letters, and since there is no electricity it was all done by fire light

On the way home we stopped for coffee!

Above is this little town called Pummala. It is beautiful. We were on this huge bridge which went over a lake and we took the elevator down. 

mhhh ruoka

We arrived home after dark and I can assure you that this place is completely different each time. Nature does that I think. It  has to change to survive and it is beautiful in a different way each time. I think we can all learn from it. Change is perennial. 

I'm (trying to be) Fancy

Musiikitalo
Finland's Music House

My counselor took me out to see the orchestra last Wednesday night! It was very exciting and the seats were some of the best in the house- center balcony.

The morning was nice except for the fact that it was below freezing. Seriously, look. There is frost. My host mom says "There is no such thing as bad weather. Only bad clothing."

This results with me in a winter coat, wool socks, and a heavy duty hat/mitten combo.

after school let out I had coffee with these babes who have come to the conclusion that they must teach me to skate....
If only they truly understood how clumsy I am. They will learn soon enough.

Kirsi picked me up from the train station at 6 and we we drove to one of the fanciest places I have seen so far (that's saying something.) I was very happy that I thought to dress up a tad. 

she is the best

a small meal before the concert began, please note the coffee. So good.

When the concert began the music filled every crevice. It was so nice to just cease thinking and just listen. There was no room for thoughts, the notes snatched all the space.

The conductor was a famous one, Pekka Salonen. Finland is well known for their culture dealing with the performing arts. I can see why.

mhh, intermission means dessert. 

The night was so wonderful. Kirsi has taken me great places already and walking out I was able to understand a bit of Finnish in the conversation going on next to us. This excites me so much. The language is beginning to click.

I returned home late and shared a mug of tea with my äiti. I am so so so thankful for experiences like this which just give me memories which will last for as long as I wish them to.

month Two

Have you ever had those moments of where you're just like "ahh,  what,  what is going on.  Ahh, is this truly here,  ahh how am I doing this?"

Yep. Well One of those moments hit me daily.  But today, when I woke up I saw the date, life was heightened more then ever. I was just laying in my bed and laughing.

Laughing over the thought that all that has happened did, and that this is my life.

I checked my phone and found a video from my sister. I miss her more then words can say.  She makes me so proud. Watching the video of my sister signing my favorite song,  was the best was I could ever start off my third month. Her voice put my heart to rest it felt from the slight freak out at "oh my god the time is going too fast but 10 months seems so long"

I can not compare the first two months if one was better because I learned new things during each one. I now notice a difference in me. Self awareness is something which has grown leaps and bounds.

I am living fully and I don't know how to explain this,  but I am feeling more truly. Honestly maybe.

If the last month went by this fast,  the next will go even faster. I received an email from one of my best friends the other day and she reminded me to savor it. I can assure each one of you I am,  and I promise I will continue.

Thank you for reading and sticking with me through out all of this. Just to know there is are you all makes it easier, I do think know how to explain it but it does. Thank you to Oberlin Rotary, a thousand times thanks to each rotarians everywhere. This world isso vast and your kindness covers it all. 

I am currently in the car, driving to the cabin. I look at my family and I smile.  They just asked me why I am laughing. "this is happening"