Over the hill

Yesterday, marked my halfway point of studying abroad.  I've been here for two months and I go home in two months.  I can't believe how fast time has gone! It feels like I've only been here a month...The past two months have brought amazing experiences as Hanna and I traveled to Belgium, Holland, Scotland, Ireland and Southern England.  I can't wait to see what the next two months bring :)

WARNING: I'm going to be a little cliche here....but what I realized yesterday was important.

I took a lot of time yesterday to acknowledge what an amazing experience I am having here in London.  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to live in a different country, learn about another culture and most importantly, learn about myself.  I think one of the most powerful parts of studying abroad is the fact that I am completely "stripped" of everything that I am used to.  Cultural norms, friends, family -- basically any support system that I have at home, I am now trying to live without.  It makes this process a million times more rewarding and a million times more challenging.  And it's these challenges that are blessings in disguise as they make me recognize how important my family and friends are to me and strengthen my faith. 

Okay enough cheesy-ness thoughts.  The GREAT news of the week is that I have all my teeth again! YAY!!! I went to the dentist on Monday and I was so nervous.  The dentist could tell and he was so kind to me.  He described everything he was going to do to recreate the filling.  He even let me help choose the colors that would match my tooth the best.  While he was recreating the tooth he was fun to chat with (as much as you can while they are working on your mouth).  He also made some jokes like how US dentists are WAYYY better than other dentists but in the UK they're pretty decent....not the most reassuring joke to me....but it all turned out alright and I can finally smile without getting weird looks! I also realized that I now have half a tooth from London -- BEST/MOST UNIQUE SOUVENIR EVER!

S/O to Cullen's hockey team who is going to State!! WOOHOO. So proud of you lil bro!! I wish I could be there but I'll try to stay in the loop with hockey hub.  ANNNNNNND Caitlin comes to London in a week.  March will be such an exciting month :)