The holiday season was the most difficult time for me to be away from family and friends. My host mom made sure that I was well taken care of. She wanted me to have a good time and we celebrated the New Year in the same way that they had in previous years: by gathering together with their family and friends (much the same way we celebrate in America). Of course, I got to go along, after all, I was family now. My host mom looked after me, prepared a plate of food for me and helped me speak to her family. Although, I sometimes felt like a child, I know it was her way of helping me gain a greater sense of belonging.