Amanda's Year In Paraguay

    I know that I said I´ll post more often, I just need to find things to post about. I have now been in Paraguay for a little over 2 months. I had a rocky start and there have definitely been ups and downs, but as I am getting into a rhythm and am getting more comfortable, there are fewer downs. I still have to work on my communication with my family, but I feel like I am making good progress with that considering my mental well-being (which I am also working on).     I tried to do Inktober this year, but it didn't last long. It was fun nonetheless and I think my pictures turned out well considering I have never drawn in pen before.                         Not much is happening lately; I spend most of my time at school where I have made friends inside and outside of my class. I don't understand the lessons very well, but I am trying to follow the lectures and take down notes. ...

     On Friday, October 7th, all of the AFS exchange students who are in school went on a 3 day long Adaptation Orientation in Piribebuy. Since I didn't have school on Friday (my school had a week long vacation), I spent the day packing. Before we left for the National Office of AFS Paraguay, my mom bought me a new SIM card with a local number, so now I can use my phone even without WiFi. My family dropped me off at the office and I spent the next hour catching up with my friends. It was great to see them again after a month and a half. We later all got onto the bus and the 3 hour long bus ride began.      When we arrived at the Quinta Turismo Rural camp site, we had merienda and started the orientation. The rest of the night and Saturday were mostly spent with the orientation, where we had talked, played games, had counseling, and did activities about settling in, the differences between our host country and families and our natural families, taking charge...