Story to tell about my big family (Grossfamilie):
Last Friday my twin girls graduated; it was such a nice day. Marie sew her silk dress completely alone always in between learning for the final exams and she did quite well. For Monique (3 minutes younger than her sister)
I was the one to sew the dress for her (blue silk) - however, right when I wanted to start she said she was successful in applying to work as a counselor for Camp America and was placed for Camp Hirock in Great Barrington Massachusetts. We were so happy for her but had to rush and apply for the visa in US embassy in Frankfurt. There was a lot of paperwork to be done - she had to have medical tests as well all within a very limited time of 10 days only. The embassy said they could not issue the visa in 2 days only but Camp America already had booked the flight for her last Friday. So she nearly was crying and fearing they would not send her....Good thing in all the confusion she now was able to attend the academic celebration and the leaver's ball which took place that named Friday (June 21st). So we finally bought the dress...
Then Camp America told us they would book another flight for her on Tuesday. The US embassy was so kind they really issued the visa and sent it straight to our home. Happy she was...
What made me cry was the moment when Marie and Monique kissed each other Goodbye - it will be for 13 months that my girls will not see each other because Marie will leave to volunteer for one year in a college in
New Zealand (St. Kevin's in Oamaru) and it nearly broke my heart. It is the first time after 19 years that they will be so far away for over a year.
Yesterday morning Monique left to New York and then
catched bus/train to Massachusetts and finally arrived in the YMCA camp HiRock which is said to be very beautiful in the Berkshire mountains
I am glad there are Cuties in America and in New Zealand - so my girls will not be alone
Love and Hugs to all Cuties in the world - especially to those with children overseas for a long time
P.S. I have not visited America, but I can tell you New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries Ii have ever visited.
Best wishes for your daughter so far away from u. Louise
Will you have the chance to visit or they visit you...
I cross my fingers for you and pray
Love Maria
But often I think only those who go away can return - and I am also happy for them to take their chances. Two years ago, Jérôme, my youngest son also went to NZ for one year and it was a good feeling to sometimes skype with him or get emails or see those fantastic landscape pictures on facebook or so. It's good that times have changed and that we can stay connected all over the world.
Thank you once more for your time and understanding words - and have a nice weekend