My family sent me to a foreign country to live with a family I had only seen on my computer screen for 11 months, and I am having the time of my life. I am so thankful to even be able to truthfully say that statement. There is no way that would be true if I didn’t have some incredible people supporting me. While this week was full of memorable moments, I feel that it is more important to take a moment and thank a few of those people.

To my American family: Thank you for believing in me and supporting me on this crazy adventure. Thank you for teaching me to be courageous and to give all my worries to God.

To my Swiss family: Thank you for opening you home and life to me! I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me in these past three months. I cannot wait to explore the next 8 with you. You have taught me so many things and changed my life for the better!!

To my American best friends: (Lexy, Abigail, Bethel, and Elyse) Thank you for supporting me and showing that friendship knows no distance. I appreciate every text and letter, and I am so grateful for each of you!!!

To my pen pals: Thank you for sending me letters!! It seems that when I am feeling just the tiniest bit sad, someone from the USA has sent me a letter or package! I am so blessed to have such a great team of people supporting me 4,000 miles away!

To my Swiss school: Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and helping me progress everyday. Without the kindness of my class, I know this year would be completely different. If any of you are every in the USA, you know my home always open!

To Karla: Thank you for being my travel buddy/ exchange big sister/ favorite Dominican. I am so glad that we connected at the orientation camp and have already experienced so many things together! I cannot wait to see where we travel this year and after our year in Switzerland.

To the Independent Bible Church family: Thank you for all the prayers and instilling in me the courage and faith to leave home for a year. I am so glad to have such a large church family praying for my safety, well-being, and life abroad.

To my sponsors: Without you, this year would not be possible. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me on this educational adventure of a lifetime.

To the other exchange students: Thank you for sharing your culture and experiencing this year with me. I am so glad to know say that I have a friend in every continent except Antarctica.

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THANK YOU!!

XOXO,

SC