I'm not going to sit here and lie to you about being overseas and it being overly easy to be so far away from home, because it's not easy. For some reason, this trip has been one of the hardest - yet most rewarding - for me so far. Yes, I've had my few mental breakdowns *sigh* and a few moments where I've just felt like jumping on a plane and heading back home, but I've also had some awesome and incredible memories and moments with my American family.



I've explained who these wonderful people that I stay with when I come to Seattle are before but just quickly, for those who are new, they are a family I stayed with when on a school exchange trip back in high school. We've stayed in contact over the years and I've now visited them a couple of times since staying with them on exchange. We FaceTime weekly, Snapchat almost every day and Morgan (my sister) & I text every single day! Anyway, back to how I "manage" to be sane while overseas and away from my norm. Being over here with my family in America is a good example of being able to remain calm while being overseas! Mainly because it doesn't feel like I'm far from friends/family, which makes everything a bunch easier. When at their house, I have a bedroom known as "Emma's Room", I feel comfortable just acting as if it's my house and I know that if I walk out the door and go exploring I - for the most part - won't get lost because I pretty much know my way around the town/city. Skype, FaceTime and Facebook are also amazing when travelling! I've been able to Skype Meg, Holly and Anemice back home; and that's something that really helps me remember that I still have my family at home and can always stay in contact with them. I also have a group chat with my parentals where we send funny photos and memes and make sure we're all doing well. While being in America this trip, I've (already) had two days of panic attacks/anxiety - which have been total fun - *sarcasm* -. But after a moment of crying, messages back and forth with Meg to regain my sanity and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or two I'm able to return back to normal Emma.