All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them: August 2013

I never knew that emotions could run up so high and down so low in a two week period. I made the decision about a month ago to go back to Australia early, rather than my scheduled time of December. I knew a lot of people wouldn't approve; I knew they would say, 'I knew she couldn't last a whole year'; I knew people would judge me; but you know what? They need to know that I don't care what they think. There has been something that has been bugging me for some time now; a gut feeling I guess you would call it. I finally decided to act on that. My decision was not an easy one to make; in no way or form was it simple. In the end though, I am just following a feeling.

There was one particular person that I could not bring myself to tell about my decision, and in the end, I chickened out and got my area rep to do it for me. How do you walk up to your amazing host family and tell them you are leaving them four months early? I was sitting in my room when I heard the phone ring and my host mum answer. I knew exactly what that particular phone call was about but I had no idea what the reaction from it was going to be. I was nervous; from previous experience I half expected anger, or even worse, disappointment. However, when Nicole appeared in my doorway and told me that they understand about the decision I had made, I let go of the breath that I didn't realise I had been holding. Of course, she asked me why and tried to talk me out of it, and in truth I'm glad she did, because it truly showed me how much she cared; well, cares. Nicole is the kind of person that once she cares about you, she never stops; and I wouldn't have it any other way. I assured her though that I was making the right decision for me at this time. As sad as it will be, I am going to say goodbye to Austria on the 9th August.

I have been making the most of my last two weeks though. I think that I have spent two days at home; I always seem to be doing something. Monday was spent with Sarina and we made plans for this week; so excited! On Tuesday Jarrad, Elliott, Sarina and I went to the aquarium, followed by lunch at the Australian pub and then some photo boothing at Museums Quartier before going to the movies. Wednesday was another day of being out and about in Vienna with Elliott and Jarrad. We were going to go swimming at Donauinsel, but of course because it was the day we picked, the weather decided to be not so great for swimming. By now my host family knows that I only get in the water if it is really super hot. Wednesday marked the day that I had to say goodbye to Jarrad until we will meet up again in Australia. That was difficult. That annoying little kid is one of my best friends now. It seems though that the day was a day of goodbyes, as my area rep came over that night for dinner and to say goodbye before I left. It was such a lovely evening with my host family and Marion.

Thursday 1st August 2013 is a day that I will never forget. It was most definitely the hardest, and in some ways, worst day, of my exchange. Why, you're asking. Well, it was the day that I said goodbye to my host mum and host sisters. They were going on holidays and would not return before I left. It was so difficult. I am actually so glad that I was home alone for a little bit after they drove away; that way I could let my tears flow freely without anyone seeing me. It is not goodbye though, rather see you later.

I have three full days left before I go home, and I plan on spending as much time as I can with my friends. There will be more blog updates from when I am back in Australia; recounting the amazing times I've had and my most frequently asked questions that I am soon to encounter. These past seven months have been incredible and I still find it hard to believe that I have spent them living on the other side of the world!

Meine Gastfamilie ~ danke für alles. Der Zeit mit dir war sehr schön. Ich habe viel spaß mit dir gehabt. Du bist eine toll Gastfamilie. Ich werde dich vermissen. Ich komme wieder zu Österreich und besuchen. Sie können nach Australien zu kommen und besuchen. Du bist immer Willkommen. Du bist meine zweite Familie; meine Österreichischen Familie. Ich habe dich lieb <3 Thank you also for your patience with my very bad German! Ich habe viel gelernt!! Du auch, Nicole! Ihre Englisch ist viel besser. Danke danke danke Harald, Nicole, Leonie und Livia.