Noël is Nearing

Last Saturday, we went in search for a Christmas market in Arlon but we got our dates mixed up so we just had a quick drink and found something to eat. But this weekend, we were successful! We went to one in Steinfort, Luxembourg called Chreschtmaart (nativity market).

It was really quite cute as all the stands looked like a stable with a star on top! My Mama.B was a collector of nativity scenes and would display tens of them around her house. Going to this market reminded me of her, especially when I found the life-sized, wood carved nativity scene!

The market was full of local vendors selling food, drinks and trinkets and also live music, my favourite kind of market! Driving home, we passed through small towns to see the lights on people's houses. Now here, they are a little light on the exterior Christmas decorations, but I'll take what I can get. My host family is, thankfully, very big into the Christmas spirit and so yesterday, we decorated our tree (from IKEA too, like my family!)

"St.Nicholas" also visited our house this past week as he does every year in Belgium on the 6th of December.I had gotten a picture, the previous weekend, at the mall and knew it was mainly for smaller kids, but my family still goes along with it. Didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised! I was gifted many pairs of socks, a lot of chocolate and a bottle of green nail polish (sorry Mum, it would "remind you of hospital walls").

This week was also the start of exams, so I was trying to study a bit. As this is my gap year, I'll try my best but I promised myself not to get worked up about marks and grades that aren't an accurate representation of my progress here. I think I've said this before, but this has been the hardest thing I've done. I made it through 8 years competitive swimming, 3 years of high school (and that was including Math 20 and 30!), and many mind gruelling rugby games but man, this tops it. I've been learning to adapt like crazy; bouts of homesickness, the Belgian way of life, struggling to find new pals, venturing out alone. The marks in school really aren't my main focus, though I continue to try.

This past week, I was also informed of the passing of my grandpa. I was aware of his condition for the past few weeks, as my family made sure to keep me in the loop. I was able to FaceTime him a few hours before his passing, something I am so very grateful for. I won't be able to be home for the funeral, a bit of a pill to swallow for me, but my family and friends have been caring in sending me encouraging messages. Being away makes me feel helpless in being there for my family, but luckily I was blessed to be born into one of the most compassionate families.

All the love,

E