A brief history of my life this month

This month has been pretty full of stuff for me.

First of all, I have moved families. A little over a week ago, on a Friday, I was told by Rotary that I was moving families...the next day. They did not tell me, however, where I was going or who I was going to be living with. The next day I got in the car of my Rotary counselor still not knowing where I was going. He explained on the way that I was going to a family who lived on the other side of the city. When we got there, I noticed the proximity of the house to a very nice sports club with tennis courts. Also, the house is literally in between a hair cutting place, bakery, and video rental store. As I walked in a greeted my host dad and one of my host brothers for the first time, there was that inevitable few moments of slightly uncomfortable conversation as I met for the first time the people who I would spend the next four months with in their house. My counselor left, and there I was in the kitchen with all my bags. They showed me around...kitchen, living room, my room (which I share with my 20 year old host brother Pablo and 15 year old host brother Mariano), parents room, bathroom, and the bedroom of nine year old Julieta and 13 year old Marcos. That makes seven of us in this house. A little crowded, but I like it here.
After a few days I started to get a better feel for the family. The parents are both very nice, and the kids are all cool. The family is very fun and engaging and they really enjoy having me here, so I am happy. Also, I was able to start tennis classes at the local club. Tennis being my favorite activity, I am now really happy with my schedule because I am doing a sport that I love.
Everyday for school I wake up at 6 to take a bus with Mariano. He goes to school very near my school, so we bus together and hang out a bit before school starts. Then when I get out of school, I walk 7 blocks along a very cool canal to my bus stop, and take a bus home. At home, I usually sleep a little siesta, and then eat something. Then its off to tennis most days. After tennis I work on college stuff or hang out with my family.
Yesterday was a day to remember, unfortunately. I got home from tennis, and went to a cyber cafe to check my email and work (they have a computer here but the atmoshpere at the house is too hyper to do work in). I saw an email from my father that was sent 16 hours ago. My Uncle was in the hospital and wasn't going to make it this time. My uncle broke his neck at 17 and has lived with many medical problems for many years. This time, he couldn't recover and choose to pass in peace. I ran out of the cyber cafe after buying some phone cards and started calling my family to try and talk to my Uncle before he passed away. Because of the time difference and the fact I didn't get a chance to check my email until later in the day, I found out that he had already passed away. They told me it was very peaceful and he had all his family with him, but I am very sad I couldn't have at least talked to him one last time over the phone. My Dad gave him my love and told him all about my adventures here in Argentina. I know he liked that because he too was an exchange student in South Africa, and I grew up hearing stories from my dad (exchange to Thailand) and my Uncle. Dealing with this situation is hard, but having a fun schedule and lots of people I like here in Argentina helps. I will continue having a good time and making the most of my experience here, because I know that is what my Uncle always wanted for me.