Dear Family

I wrote this letter to give to my Spanish family when they leave in a couple hours. I've told them much of this in person but I wanted them to have it written down too. While I'm traversing the USA starting next week I'm going to pick up gifts for the family. Then I'll mail them to Spain with more personalized letters after my trip which is conveniently also around the birthday time of the triplets.


Dear Family,
You are my family. I love you all very much and I am extremely grateful to have you in my life. I have been fortunate, blessed, lucky, or however you want to say it. Believe me when I say that these past six months have been some of the best of my life. Believe me!
I have learned so much from you all. It is incredible. I knew coming to Spain and living with you was going to be an interesting adventure. I just had no idea it could work out so well. I’ve learned about teaching, patience, communication, hormones, relationships, cultural difference and similarities, and listening.
Before I came here I was never without my iPod, phone, TV, computer, or radio. I ALWAYS had lots of distractions in my way. Since I’ve been here I’ve learned to unplug. I don’t need all the distractions. I actually enjoy quiet time now, before I hated it.
Also, I really cannot emphasize enough how good it has been for me to see a strong, healthy, marriage such as yours, Consuelo and Carlos. I believe I have learned a lot from you both and hope to be as happy in love as you both are.
Thank you for your generosity, accommodation, and support. You have made me feel so welcome in this house since the very first day. Thank you for including me in all your family adventures, dinners, and activities. I honestly feel that you are my family.
Because you are my family, I hope that you will all keep in touch with my. I think the kids all have my email/messenger address and I expect them to use it! Anytime you come to the USA let me know and I will do anything I can to visit you. Likewise, I will let you know when I cross the Atlantic again. I WILL come back to Spain again… someday. Please keep in touch.
I could write for days about how wonderful this experience has been for me and how fantastic you all are, but I won’t. I will simply say I love you all and will miss you dearly. Thank you for everything.
Keep laughing, growing, learning, and loving.
Hannah