Long time, NO write!!!

Hey everyone :)
First of all, I apologize EXTREMELY for not writing like I have promised, keeping you (well most of you) updated on what has been happening on my journey in Portugal. And let me tell you, for those who haven't heard, I have been on quite a ride.
Since I last wrote October 6th, 2008 (WOAH) :O, I've been through a lot. I have been having physical and mental problems, just trying to push through this experience and question myself on purpose here... which I am still trying to figure out for the most part, but having fun along the way :). I have been lucky to go visit a couple significantly important places in Portugal, such as Fatima, Sintra, and Lisbon. I also had an accident ... I broke my nose the day after the Elections (GO OBAMA!) ... it wasn't fun :/. This all happened in November. Another sad event was things didn't work out so well with me and my first host family and I almost decided to come home. But I was so lucky to be offered to live with AFS Portugal student Goncalo Miranda's family in a lovely neighborhood in a beautiful section of Lisbon, called Belem. I moved into their home December 6th, 2008, a VERY early arrival on a Saturday morning. I have a younger 14 year old sister, Teresa, 20 year old sister Francisca, host mother named Paula & host dad Ashil. They are a fantastic family, kind-hearted and very welcoming to me :)! I have been able to see beautiful new, and historical parts of Lisbon such as Baixa, Torre de Belem, and hopefully in the near future I will have other opportunities to see museums and landmarks. I have been living with them for almost two weeks now, and things are going very well! We have decorated the tree, and soon we will do the manger of Jesus (something we never do in the US, I can't wait to experience that!). I have even already made friends here! (Well, Goncalo's school friends haha, thanks Goncalo!) Being here I have been able to feel so much more confident with myself, and stronger than I was before... now I know that I can make it through the year. I am learning and understanding so much more everyday here :). I feel so blessed, and thankful for all those who have helped me with my transition, my mom especially, and all the people who have supported me through my emotional problems .... I am feeling so much better now! I promise to keep writing in this blog as much as possible, although not much has been going on... these next few weeks will be difficult because of many dinner parties with family & friends, Christmas, and New Years! I cannot wait to share my experiences with you all at home, & I hope people keep reading my blogs!
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth, & Feliz Natal :)
Claire

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