It's been four months since I moved and I have to admit that I'm surprised that I still haven't lost it -yet. Four months of idle living, hardly a social life, basically just spending each and everyday doing chores and running errands with my Mom -I won't deny it, my dear friend. That's how my life has been for the past four months. I cannot say that I am having the time of my life because, apparently, I'm not. I will not say I am devastated because, well, surprisingly, I am not. Am I satisfied? -Yes. Am I lonely as hell? -Yes. Am I still sane? -Thank God.

Re-building your life in an absolute foreign place is even harder than I imagined. It's not just moving your belongings, organizing and decorating your house/room, nor is it just adjusting to a different timezone. It's trying to adapt to a totally different lifestyle, trying to understand and embrace the many diverse cultures that surround you, trying to network and socialize, and being understanding of others no matter how absurd they seem to be. But most of all, it's being patient with time and yourself.

Life is severely difficult, but I am not giving up. For my Mom, my Dad, and most specially my sisters, I will stand tall and stay strong because they need me. I will stay healthy, I will stay sane, I will try to be productive and I will be extremely patient just for them, and of course, you. However, please do forgive me when I cry for some nights I cannot help but break down. I am a mere human like yourself. I am strong but sometimes I become weak too. For you, however, I WILL be strong because it's the only way I could ever thank you. I would've recorded a video or written a song to tell you how thankful I am, or I would've at least dropped a little note; but then I thought that the best way I could thank you is to show you how well you've taught me.

So here I am, smiling at the thought of you; smiling because you told me to; smiling for you. I will be good, I will stay healthy and I will stay sane. I will be strong and I will be patient. I will endure whatever challenge that will come my way and I will embrace each and every second of this life. I vow to this for my family, my best friends, and for you. I hope to serve as a tiny inspiration for you, just as you've become one for me.