To my host family, the Larsons:

I can’t believe I have just one more month with you…it has gone by so fast!

I remember about a year ago, getting back home from school, opening my computer and finding an email from Aspect: “Welcome to America!” it said. I was so happy that I could not stop jumping. A huge feeling of curiosity and excitement filled my body. “Who’s going to be my host family?” I started to think. “What if they’re too cool and don’t want me? What if I am too cool for them!?” After finding out that I was gonna live with the Athletic Director of a high school and two twins, I was convinced it was going to be my first option.

(Natalia and her host family in Washington)

When I got to Seattle, my heart was pounding really hard. The moment had arrived, the moment I had been waiting almost a year for! I saw all five of you standing there, and my nerves calmed down. I had like a feeling of comfort, you looked very welcoming. The trip back home was very entertaining and I remember Jeter and Ryley asking me questions. One of Ryley’s was if in Spain, “Dora the Explorer” taught us English or Spanish? It’s English, obviously!

I think I’ve been very lucky to have you as my host brothers. I got to experience what it’s like to live with two boys. For the most part it’s been pretty amazing. (Sometimes you just want to slap them! But I guess that’s a normal sibling relationship.)

Also, I’m really grateful to have the host parents that I have. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. You’ve always wanted to make sure that every week was worth it. Either by going to a baseball game, to family dinners, to touristic places, or just hanging out at home. You also made sure I got to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter the American way, something I’ve always desired to do! I know the weather hasn’t been the best, and that if it had been better we would have done more outdoor activities. But the truth is, you’ve done so much that I am pleased enough by you!

(Natalia and her host family in Washington)

Gary, you are so wise. You don’t just know about science, but about life itself, and all the people I know respect you so much. I’ve never told you this, but I admire you a lot.

Danielle, you are like a second mom to me. You’ve been so caring and loving and that made this year so much better. Being the only woman in the household made me want to spend way more time with you. Watching movies at night, running, getting massages and pedicures…everything was so much fun!

Jeter and Ryley, thanks for the rides, the laughs, and everything fun we did together. I hope our relationship continues and when you come to Spain we get to laugh and do more fun things together.

I’ll miss you guys a lot. And once again, thank you.

Love Natalia.