Growth vs. change

Exchange students often make a big deal of how much they've changed and how friends and family at home need to be aware of how much they've grown and matured: "I've been living away from home in a foreign country for a year and my parents think I should be the same person I was when I left." And they're right. So it's amusing to hear them get upset when things at home have changed: "Where's the blue rug that was in the bathroom? I loved the blue rug! You can't just get rid of the blue rug without asking me!" We'll have to be sure to take down the Room for Rent sign before Chloe comes home.

Comments

[Andie]

I remember when I came home to Oklahoma after being an au pair in France for 4 months totally immersed in the French culture. It was difficult. Well, now I'm back in France for good and every time I go home, it's culture shock all over again. Have enjoyed your blog and your experiences with your daughter living abroad. She has had such a fabulous opportunity, even though I can imagine how hard it's been without her this year! Have a fun time in Spain, Hemingway LOVED Pamplona and talks about San Fermin in _The Sun Also Rises_.

[Teresa]

did you read Anna Rae's comment onmy blog asking if we had taken the map down in our room? OUR room for Pete's sake, NOT hers! I think she will be relieved to hear that I only changed the window coverings. All is right with 'the world' that hangs on our wall.