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Ten months ago I packed a suitcase, left everything I had known for 16 years, and crossed an ocean to start from scratch. That was by far the hardest thing I've ever done, but it was also by far the best thing I've ever done!
When I first left Finland the idea of eventually going back home made me really happy. Of course it still does, but it's different now. I've met people, made friends, seen things, made memories... This place is home for me now; I'm leaving home to go home.
Mom, Andy, Elena, and Casie,
I never thought I would consider anyone who's not related to me "family". Well, here I am with a new set of parents and sisters. You have made me feel like a part of the family since the moment I first walked in the house. The things you have done for me are things family do for each other. They say "the home is where the heart is" and because of you a part of my heart will always be in Florida. It's very sad to think that we won't be able to experience every important milestone in our lives together as a family, but I know that whenever something important happens to me in the future you'll be in my thoughts.
Äiti, Pappa och Allu,
Tack för allt er stöd, utan er skulle jag inte ha klarat av det här året. Det har varit jätte svårt att inte se er varje dag! Att ha hemlängtan har fått mig att inse vad som på riktigt är viktigast för mig. Det handlar inte om att sakna rågbröd, snö, att åka skidor eller bada bastu. Det jag har saknat är små detaljer som betyder allt för mig: doften av mammas tuoksukynttilän, kramitajm, att gå till matbutiken, pakastepizza på söndagskvällar, eller att få skjuts till skolan när det är -25 grader ute. Jag tror att det här året har varit bra för oss och att vi är en tiukempi paketti än någonsin förr! Snart ses vi igen :)
I went into this exchange year as an insecure almost 17 year-old girl thinking "just go with it and you'll be fine". That is by far the best thing I've ever told myself because now I end my exchange year as a little stronger soon-to-be grown-up woman. I still don't have any idea what I'm doing or where I'm going, but that's okay because I'll figure it out eventually!
Thank you to everyone who's been a part of my life this year! Every single person I've met has influenced me in some way, and I can only hope I've had an impact on your lives too. I'm going to miss Florida so much and I'll definitely come back to visit soon! You'll be in my heart forever :)
" Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience. "
Do not forget about me!
Amanda