End of my first week of classes

Being in a higher level Spanish has really tested my abilities. Though the professor is kind enough to speak slower than the normal native speaker would, I still find myself staring at her in confusion most days.There are only six of us in the advanced class and every other international student seems to be in Basic 1 or Basic 2.... Must be nice. For awhile I thought about dropping down to Intermediate 2 and feel less overwhelmed and more comfortable. Then it occurred to me:

Firstly, I came here to learn. I wasn't going to get any better if I didn't challenge myself and feel overwhelmed. Secondly, I am in a foreign country surrounded by people I hardly know. Feeling uncomfortable is a part of studying abroad. A part I am supposed to overcome, which I will.

I have been talking to the house maid a lot (yes, we have a maid). Her name is Alba and she is from Nicaragua, doesn't speak a word of English...nothing. 

In retrospect this would be a large barrier, but the only way I was going to get better with Spanish was if I was forced to speak it with someone. She's my someone. And she is a lovely woman, and can cook a hell of a meal!

Camila's surgery went well, she spent yesterday resting and is at the doctor today for another follow up. Her sister has been staying here just to keep an extra eye on her. She had cataract surgery for those of you who didn't know.

On another note: 
I've made a few friends within my CIS abroad group (there are only 4 of us here now, apparently 14 are supposed to come after September). They are a great group of people. I keep seeing all the international students clump together in large, cliquey groups and I am determined not to be that way. If If I wanted to make friends with a bunch of Americans, I'd have stayed in the states.

Well, I have to head to my last class of the week. Make sure you guys comment on my facebook status about what you would like to hear! Love you and miss you all. Ciao!