17 days 11 hours and 49 minutes

This is my first blog about my move to Hamburg, Germany. You might be thinking "Why Germany? Well, it was all about a German guy, a long distance relationship and a lot of love.

In March of 2007, I was a graduate student at Salem State College and decided to participate in an exchange program to learn about Germany social welfare system. Coincidentally, there was this German guy was doing a friend a favor by hosting one of my colleagues and our paths crossed for the first time. In September 2007, amidst the stress of school, work & internships, the German students made their way to Massachusetts for their part of the exchange program. This German guy participated in a exchange program with Salem State and our paths crossed once more. He was a quite and serious man who intrigued me a bit. During those two weeks, we saw each other practically every day in workshops, discussions and dinners with colleagues...my interest was sparked. But he never seemed to show any interest in me. The time came for goodbyes and our German friends and colleagues were leaving. We had all spent a lot of time together we all became rather close and say goodbye has never been easy for me. As we were walking towards terminal E at Logan airport he reached out and held my hand. This gesture came as a surprise to me and but it was genuinely comforting. He said, "I know you will probably spend the holidays with your family, but if you want you could come visit in December" I wasn't sure what that meant but I would soon find out. I took that trip to Germany in December 2007 and the rest is history.

Henrik, he's the reason I left my life in New England. Sounds adventurous and definitely out of character for a girl that had always been only miles away from most of her family. But life is too short and I didn't want to have any regrets.

In January 2009, we began discussing what we wanted from our relationship in the future and there were many tense conversations on SKYPE about who should move, when to move and for how long. At the time, he was still in school and I was finished making it easier for me to move. In June of 2009, we decided that if we would need to be on the same continent to strengthen our relationship and begin our future together. We decided that I would move to Germany in order for him to finish his degree and we would move back to the US upon the completion of his degree. I would have to place my life in New England on hold for a short time. I told my family and began planning my future in Germany.

I booked my flight and began preparing for the biggest change in my life. Leaving my family, my home and my friends. I knew I would be an emotional wreck! And I was.

It's been 17 days...but if feels like yesterday that I left my home in Massachusetts. Since my arrival I've had do many different things that have required a lot of patience and an open mind.

I am very thankful for Henrik during this first 17 days. He has been supportive, loving and a shoulder to cry on when I've missed my family. I am extremely thankful for my family, because they have been there for me through this entire process. The goodbyes were tearful and difficult, but my family believes in me and my decision to take on this new phase in my life.

This blog will allow me to share the everyday challenges and adventures during this time in my life in my new home.