August 14th and 15th

They days are getting easier away from home. I still miss my family, but I am realizing by the day that I am where I need to be. More people are arriving. I am glad that I came when I did and think that the bonds that I have made with the girls are very important. I think that it was almost the perfect time, not too early as to be too homesick and not too late to miss out on bonding with my roommates and teammates. Our game for the day was canceled and was switch to a practice. We didn’t work out, so it was going to be a very difficult practice. I enjoy practices like this, and it was nice to have one this day. I love spending time at the rink and find that it is my favorite place to be. Before heading to the rink, we went on a small walk in Partille, a city we drive through on the way to the rink. We walked to a castle in the hills. It is extremely hot and humid, so a short walk was just enough to get our legs moving and we worked up a substantial sweat. It is funny because the castle was built by a German whose wife suffered from homesickness. It was built to remind her of the German countryside and of her home. I think that it is ironic because we are feeling homesick as well, and it was bringing us comfort by occupying our thoughts for the walk. We might be homesick for different places, but it was bringing us comfort either way. After practice, it was such a nice evening that we decided to ride our bikes to the lake to read and watch the sunset. I am finding happiness with Alexa and the other girls who live in the other house because we are very similar. We are professionals in all aspects of our lives, and I think that we are lucky to have each other as friends and as roommates because it is always needed to have someone to lean on. After watching the sunset, we returned home because we had an early morning. Alexa must leave the country to have her VISA approved so I was to take her to the airport early in the morning.

The next day after doing so, I came home and took a small nap and awoke to thunderstorms and rain. This was the first time that I had been alone since getting here and it felt weird but nice. I rested for the day, went to the store, and then headed early to practice. We worked hard yet again, and I enjoyed every second. Calling my parents on the way home it was nice to speak with them and hear their stories about dropping my sister off at college. I miss them and wish that I could have been there. I can’t wait to see them again, but I know that I am making them proud from this far away. I just need to focus on having the best year that I can, and all will be okay. I showered and then was lying in bed when I awoke to a knock on the door. I was unaware but a new roommate was arriving this evening and she was here at 12:30 in the morning. Greeting her, with the same commonalities as the others I went to bed, ready for rest and for the days to come.