Sorry for such a long gap between posts, everyone. It’s been a crazy holiday season, and things are really starting to pick up here in Madagascar.

Despite it being February, though, I wanted to share a few thoughts on this New Year.

A lot has changed for me entering into 2012. For one, I’m living in a foreign country. I’ve been in Madagascar for seven months, and no lie, it’s beginning to feel like home.

I’ve got my routines, I’ve got my friends, I have my recreational time. I’d almost think I was back in Florissant, if it wasn’t for the whole getting water, cooking every meal and the lack of air conditioning. I should probably mention the lack of English speakers, too.

Then there’s home.

My friends, family and loved ones are always on my mind. So many lives back home are changing, and I’m missing it. Friends getting married, starting families, and the love I’ve known becoming something new. I’m not going to lie and say I’m taking it all in stride; I am absolutely terrified.

But every time I feel stressed, every time I just need to sit down a take a breath, it’s the thought of everyone back home that keeps me going. I can’t express just how much support and love I receive from every one back home means to me. All those notes from my going away party have a special place on my wall, and whenever I feel the need to skin a cat, all I’ve got to do is look at them and remember I have the best people in the world behind me 100 percent, and you all know I couldn’t do this without you. A special shout out to three birthday kisses I couldn’t do without.

All right, enough with the sappy stuff. I promise to keep everyone more in the loop, and there will not be another month without at least one post.

I hope everyone’s staying warm in Florissant. I know I’m sweating like Bigfoot over here.