ahort entry

I have to finish my homework, but I just wanted to post a few things. First, my host family couldn't be any better. Even though I've been here for almost a month, I am still feeling hesitant around them and little uncomfortable. To top that off, I've been homesick because I don't have any close friends here, or a regular group of friends to hang out with. That being said, last week when the parents left for New York, they had first asked me to walk their two youngest kids down the street to their school at 8:30 the next morning. I said, OK, but then they discussed it and said that I didn't need to. The next morning, thinking that I didn't need to take them, I took a shower at my normal time, but around 8:20 I get a knock at my door (mind you I am in my towel..) from Pauline saying that we have to leave in 5 minutes. Fuddling around I say OK, hurry to get dressed and walk them down the street. I had forgotten about this until tonight at dinner when the mother said that she had a present for me for taking the kids when I didn't have to. It was a tea strainer with 4 types of really good tea!! What a great gift! She didn't have to do that for me, but it was a really nice gesture. After dinner I explained to the mother that I was homesick, and that when I am sad I tend to stay to myself but I would like to interact with the family more. She said that' absolutely acceptable and at any time I can just come into the kitchen or living room to do work or to sit with the kids or just to sit while the mom is busy running around with them. That made me feel a little more comfortable to be in their house. I should stop feeling like a tenant or a burden and start feeling like a part of their family (even though I am not...). I also found out that making international calls from their phone is free, and she said that I can call my family at almost any time that I want (except weird hours of the night, of course) so that made me extremely happy!! Anyway, I need to finish some work before bed. good night.