They said before we got here that some days we would feel as if time was going by SO SLOWLY and that other days, we would realize how fast time is going by. This month was full of days that felt like time was dragging by and I kept finding myself waiting in anticipation of the future. I kept saying to myself “I can’t wait for this weekend!” or “I can’t wait for that trip!”. Or often “I can’t wait to see my family again.”.

Today is the first day of November (Happy All Saint’s Day!) and I’m sitting here realizing that the entire month flew by before I could even catch it. It feels unreal that it is already November when I can remember warm, sunshine-filled August days like they were yesterday. The leaves have all been changing colors and have fallen more than I have seen in my entire lifetime. We’ve officially transitioned from Crunchy Leaf Season to Soggy Leaf Season.

I’m realizing that I might feel this way a lot this year, where time goes by so slowly but so quickly all at the same time. I’ll try to not mention it every time I sit down to write a blog post so not to bore you too much! I would like to take a moment though to say something to those of you who read and keep up with my life here in Hungary: THANK YOU. Thank you for your kind words and comments on my blog posts. I may not reply, but I absolutely love reading them and they warm my heart so much. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for your continuing support. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for listening to (reading) my rants and thoughts and ramblings. Thank you.

Before I lose your attention, a few things that happened this month:

• I went to a public art exhibition with a friend that consisted of billboards about the climate crisis
• I went to Berlin! I attended a training with a colleague (and friend) from Phiren Amenca
• I took some time for myself and explored different parks and areas of Budapest. Some that were new to me and some that have already become favorites
• I taught my kids at the school about both American Halloween traditions and history as well as some information about Dia de los Muertos
• I got into a regular exercise routine and it has improved day-to-day life immensely
• I finished my third book since being here (which is NOT a usual thing for me! Hooray!)