Wrapping up

People might say: "sorry, but everything comes to an end" but I prefer to go with the comment of Patrick on my blog: "Marieke, you are on a amazing journey and I hope that when you get home, the journey never ends 😉" That's exactly the way I like to live and wrap this up. Although I feel sad that my course ended, I'm looking forward to the next step. Finding a new job, figuring out how to combine my love for kids, teaching, Montessori, English and how to put in my new experiences. That's an adventure too, right?

Have taken my test!

Wow, this was really an experience! Notwithstanding my intention to stay cool, not to be nervous, I woke up at 2.30am and couldn't sleep again. I ordered a Lyft, arrived at 7am and had to sign a few serious papers. They checked besides my passport, my pockets and clothes and scanned me on recording materials. I was not allowed to bring any stuff inside, even my watch and necklace disappeared in a locker. That was not really helping to calm down;). Finally I could start the test. I had been practicing a lot on reading tests so felt pretty confident for that part, BUT it turned out that I got not 3 but 4 readings and 40 questions instead of 30. My time management totally felt apart, I couldn't focus and more worse the first reading was built on a keyword that I didn't understand..The words were dancing before my eyes, I had no idea and forgot all of the strategies. The next readings didn't go much better, so if the score turns out that I made the right guesses, that would be really God;) The listening part went better, however, still different from our exercises so my time management failed there too. After break followed the speaking part. Speaking in a microphone after listening to the topics. This was what I feared the most during the course. And now I am so proud that I did it! Regardless of the outcome, I already passed for this;) Far from perfect, but I reproduced all 4 speakings in a logical going on story within the time given. The writing part is the one I enjoyed the most. I had to write 2 essays. The independent one, 300 words, about my opinion of the world hunger problem. Who supposed to be responsible: the government or individuals. Supported by reasons why and examples. Within 30 minutes. So, despite my fear of failure, I'm glad I overcame and just went through this all.

Many goodbyes

I had dinner with Daniela from Switzerland and the Korean guys, who prepared their Korean food and I presented our old school boerenkool, in weather conditions of 32 C degrees, haha. I had a drink and dinner with Sonya, (our activity leader at school), we talked for many hours, sharing our lives and faith. I loved that friendship in particular. In the bargain supermarket I found boxes of real Dutch stroopwafels which I distributed to teachers, church people etc. I know Americans love these. Then the last step: saying goodbye to George. He was waiting for me for hours since he knew I was leaving. I introduced him to Daniela who's living in Vantaggio as well and I'm glad she'll keep an eye on him the next weeks. 

Apple Valley

Lotte, Ryan and I were meeting last Sunday in Torrance, the last time for now but I'm glad they are coming over at the end of this year! I stayed at a hotel, my first night without street noise, yelling people or screaming sirenes...at least that was what I expected. Until in the middle of the night the fire alarm went off and we all had to go outside while the firemen were inspecting the building. But it was false alarm. Lucky, but I had no sleep anymore. Anyway, I drove to aunt Willy where I'm enjoying being with her and Jacky and Monica. Tomorrow I'll be driving to the airport and I'm looking forward seeing back all my loved ones in the Netherlands!

Thanks readers for your supportive comments, that meant a lot to me! I'm so grateful for the experience of this great journey!!