An American Girl in Avignon

Who hasn’t heard, “don’t let the window of opportunity pass you by!” at one time or another during their lifetime? Well, how many people actually take these opportunities, and use them to their full advantage? That’s what I thought. I am guilty of this as well; we all are. My roommate and I see the window of opportunity flashing before our eyes, and we sure as heck aren’t going to wait around until it’s too late.

I mentioned in a previous blog how our living situation is not ideal. I am going to refrain from going into details, but I think we have decided it is best that we seek beds elsewhere. We both met with the director of the program on Monday, and after talking with him, it was clear that things aren’t the way they were supposed to be. Yet, we did not want to move out, without hearing what the other side had to say. I believe that a vast majority of problems are caused by miscommunication or lack of communication at all. Our situation proves this point. Although it may be hard, and I hate confrontation just as much, if not more, than the next person, but if you never speak up, no one will know…and that gets you nowhere. After weighing our options, we decided it would be worse to suffer in silence, then to have that awkward conversation with our host family as to why we feel uncomfortable, what’s wrong…and eventually, why we are leaving. I am upset that it has come to this, but after weighing our options, we think it is best. I just hate feeling like a baby or cop-out, and I know that having to deal with a family that is having a rough time would be a learning experience. But after talking with several adults, we feel it is probably best if we leave, for the sake of the family situation and to avoid being obligations to a family going through a rough time. I am a little sad to be leaving in some ways, because Kristina and I talked with the dad last night, and he sympathized and was willing to listen to our concerns. I feel horrible, because I accidently left one of the doors unlocked, twice, but I swear I thought it was closed and locked. I feel really terrible about this, so I can understand why and if they are angry at me. However, things have not been up to par, and the thought of kindhearted and sympathetic Monsieur M leaving on Saturday for three weeks, and being left here with his busy, stressed, and worried wife (who has been gone the past few days), is not ideal. I don’t think we need to cause her anymore stress – especially after we found out that her mother was really sick. All I could do was pray for God to show me what we were supposed to do, and I think I got my answer today.

Katy talked with me and Kristina and told us that we could move in with another family, and to let her know our final decision by the end of the week. When we were in grammar class, our oral production teacher discovered our dilemma (by looking over Kristina’s shoulder), and started questioning us. We explained to her our situation; she sympathized and was even willing to suggest an alternate residence. Her friend, an English professor (big plus), has taken students before and has vacancy! She told us that the woman lives in the center of town, is welcoming, and would most likely be willing to take us in. Thank you, God! We talked with her more after class and got some details, and it sounds like a winner.

My only concern is hurting Monsieur’s feelings after he was so nice to us last night. But I know that he will be gone for three weeks (perfect opportunity to leave without having to explain why. Although, I kind of wish he was going to be here, so we could explain that we will still think highly of him), so we will avoid the awkward move-out day with him at least. I know that our director will explain our reasoning in a clear manner, so I am not too worried. I am sure that after some explanation (and clear communication), the family will understand. Deep down in my heart, something tells me that this is the right thing to do. But I know if things change, and I do have to continue living where I currently am, I could do it. It would be a challenge, but I would be fine. Who knows, maybe things will get better just as we are officially ready to hit the door, and we will end up staying. Life’s full of surprises and little miracles. It’s never too late for a bold gesture...