Cats are just as important as anything else

So far, so great. I enjoy being here – everything is still new and different and I am enjoying it. The Bronchart/Dewulf/Thomas family is extremely friendly and welcoming. I have yet to meet the two older children of the five, but the three younger children are so excited to tell me things and see me that it makes me feel really welcome. I was afraid they would all be afraid of the strange American living in their home, but that’s not the case.
As one might expect, everything here is green. I think I’ve only seen the sun once since I’ve been here, and that was this morning. It wasn’t even really seeing the sun, it was just sunlight peeking through the clouds. It rains almost continuously, but so far I rather like it.
The family has two cats – Grosschat and Blabla. Grosschat is sleeping on the couch across from me. He’s well suited to his name (it means fat cat) – his large nature reminds me of Garg. Blabla, a totally black cat, resembles my cat Grillo not only in color but in coordination as well. He fell into the small pond they have outside their house as he was drinking.
I promise pictures are to come soon - can you believe I left my camera at home on my first trip to Brussels? All the exchange students in Beligium met for an official welcoming and tour of the Royal Palace, the Grand Place, and the House and Senate. A tiring day, but interesting.