One month - I’ve finally made it. It was the hardest month of my life and I’ve had many unfortunate mishaps. I’ve moved four times, not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. I’ve been refused by 5 banks, I had no Internet, no laundry, no shower, and almost ended up homeless. My expensive gym membership also had a fire - in which now i have to try to fight my money back. The cherry on top of course is a body breakdown in result of stress, endless moves and not enough rest.

For the last month, I had not been paying rent. I’ve been working for wealthy families who had been generously giving me a room in exchange of my native English accent and babysitting. I work with their kids for homework, taking them to class and playing with the young ones. And as much as I loved the kids and the family, the experience was not enjoyable. I was very stressed having to live without facilities (ie. shower, Internet and laundry) and found myself running around the clock all the time, always on a schedule, trying to please everyone else. I couldn’t find myself to have a peace of mind and to actually enjoy the real reason why I am here in France. I felt a lot of pressure and I was fed up with everything that kept falling on my face. So I have decided to leave it all behind and to no longer work for any more families. I have chosen to pay rent instead.

I’ve moved in a couple days ago and I love it here. Currently, I live with a mother and her 16-year old daughter outside of Paris in a quiet suburb. It’s a duplex with 3 bedrooms, and they have been really kind to me. She shows me and explains to me around the city and the numerous things I can do. The mother is super active - loves traveling, trying new classes and going out with her friends. She’s very cute - has a bicycle, takes art classes and decorated the house with warm colours. I finally feel like home - having a room to myself, a proper kitchen and being a part of a family. They are also French and only speaks to me in French (and they have been so patient with me). When I don’t understand, they explain to me through writing the word so I can search it or slowly with examples. The daughter can speak mediocre English but we have agreed we shall speak French so I can learn and improve. This would be my permanent home for the rest of the year and I’m really enjoying it by far.

This month has been very hard with many problems but I’m glad I finally found my perfect home. There’s still many things I need to tackle - such as dealing with paperwork for staying here and trying to get my refund - but these things can be done one at a time. Right now, my priority is to rest, to have a full recovery, and give my body a break.

I can’t wait to begin my journey in France!

Everyone has a story.

This is mine.