It's crazy to think that another year has flown by. But I have to say 2012 was the busiest and most fulfilling year of my life. This time last year, I was freaking out about so many different things, most of them exchange related. My interview for NSLI-Y, my application to come here, finals for school were coming up. And now I look back and see that all that work paid off. My entire year was full of the most amazing things, things nobody could have possibly predicted.
I finished my application in the nick of time in January.
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| Last years New Years :) |
March was the IPSE weekend, where I met some pretty fantastic people.
On April 13 I was awarded the YES Abroad scholarship to Bosnia.
Then came performance season with Tournament of Plays and State for choir.
Good-byes and hellos were filled in June with my last day of school and the PDO in DC.
Eventually, camp and Canada rolled around in July.
Finally August came with the hardest goodbyes, but the most exciting beginning in Sarajevo.
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| VBS! |
Bosnian school began in September which thus began the beginning of the end.
October brought new friends, Race for the Cure, and the witnessing of Bajram. Oh! And the beginning of snow :)
We traveled to Mostar and I shared with my host family Amerian Thanksgiving in November.
And December was a million Christmas parties and the ending of the best year of my life... so far.
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| Skyping the family back home. |
As 2013 dawned, I realized that Sarajevo has become my home. When I first arrived and had to tell people that I needed to go back to my host-family's house, I would say, "I need to go back to where I'm staying." I've realized on several occasions now that I simply say, "Hey, I need to go home now." I've stopped calling my host parents and siblings, host parents and siblings. I've started to say my brothers and sisters and my parents. "Host" is just a term that I use if I ever need to clarify. I've stopped being nervous to meander through the house and find it as comfortable as my home back in Oregon. The city has become extremely familiar and it's funny to think that five months ago, I had never stepped foot here. Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina is now my home. And I wouldn't give it up for the world.
Twenty-twelve was brilliant and I wouldn't change any of it. Thank you to everyone who has gotten me to where I am today and I wish you all a Happy New Year. I am very excited for 2013. Here I am, half way through my exchange and there is still so much to happen. I turn eighteen in two months, I graduate in six, I begin college in eight. Let this year be filled with new opportunities, new challenges, new friendships, and new adventures.
Anyway, time to catch up on some much needed sleep! Hope everyone had a fabulous New Years day and I hope 2013 is even better.
Until we see each other again,
-Katie
Good morning Katie,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading everything about your holiday. It really did sound like a wonderful time. The picture was great with your whole family, while you were skyping. Such a good idea.
I am so glad you are having such a wonderful time. It does go quickly. Julianne can't believe it has already been a year since she was gone.
Your pictures are awesome, and you write a very interesting column.
Love you much Katie, and we continue to pray for you. Have a very Happy New Year. Sasa