My new home in Switzerland is the greatest mix I could think of between Colorado and Seattle. There are mountains just about half an hour away, woods practically in my backyard, raspberries actually in my backyard, and the greenest rolling hills I have ever seen. I live in a third-story room, and I have a cute bathroom downstairs all to myself. It is beautiful here, and the people are absolutely wonderful. They are all so kind, and my favorite part about this culture is that every time they are somewhere they know people they individually shake hands with each person. (The extrovert in me loves it!)

However, I have a lot of other things I am still getting used to. I wake the kids up every morning, and I get them ready for school. Then, I do all the cleaning around the house, and make lunch for the kids when they come home. Finally, I help the kids with their homework, make dinner, and if I am lucky I have a few hours to myself before I go to sleep. I never thought I'd be a housewife, but here I am doing exactly that. I am really trying to be positive about my situation, and serve with a joyful heart. I love everything I am doing, but the kids are a lot to handle. Their parents have not really taught them much about patience, listening to authority, loving each other, or taking no for an answer. For example the other day, the youngest got mad at me because I wouldn't do his homework for him. I didn't really understand why he was mad about that, but then his mother came home and did the entire worksheet for him. I couldn't believe it because I believe it is necessary for the children to learn how to do things themselves. I know it will be a lot of work for me, but I want to help these children learn how to be kind, patient, loving, smart, and thoughtful.

Things are already starting to get better as I am learning how to have a relationship with each child, and I am getting to know them better. I look forward to a time when I know them well, and they know me well.