Page 76 - Active Skills for Reading Intro Book

June 13
It's my ftrst week in the United States and my ftrst time
in another country. So much is new and unusual (to me).
It's great to be here. I hope I do well!

5 June 25

I live with an American host family: Valerie and Tim and
their daughter, Megan. They're really nice. Every day I
learn something new. For example, this morning Valerie
said, "Tim and I work late, and I can't cook tonight. Help
10 yourself to anything for dinner."
I didn't understand Valerie. I thought she
1
wanted help with dinner. So I bought takeout for everyone.
When Valerie came home, she said, "Daniela, why did you buy
food? We have a lot." I explained. She said, "Help yourself means

15 eat anything you want." I was confused! We laughed and ate the
Chinese food anyway.
takeout Chinese food
July 1

My best friend from Brazil called today. I was really happy to talk to her, but
after, I felt kind of down. Everything here is so different from home-the
20 food, the people, even the weather (It gets cold here even in the summer
sometimes!).

July5

Yesterday was Independence Day. It's a big
holiday here. My host family had a barbecue
25 in their yard. Their friends and neighbors
2
came. Everyone was very friendly and warm.
Later, I went with some friends from school
to watch the ft reworks. Then we went
dancing. It was fun!

1 Takeout is food you get at a restaurant and take home to eat.
· 2 A yard is an open area in front of or behind a house.

Homestay Diary 75