Dutch Exam

I'm still working towards naturalization. It's been a long haul, but I'm learning and developing confidence to speak a foreign language with mistakes, and be OK with that. Afterall, that's how we learn. I understand most conversations. The spoken side is following a little ways behind, but I'm pretty proud of my ability, considering I haven't taken any formal courses.

This afternoon was my dreaded panel interview at the town hall in Utrecht, with 2 Dutch examiners and a tape recorder. I walked into a little exam room and introduced myself, smiling sweetly, in the hopes of winning them over. I was interviewed for 15 minutes, discussing situations in the portfolio (conversations/interactions I've had in Dutch society in connection with health, education and citizenship) I had put together last year. The second task of 15 minutes, was to write a letter to a friend explaining the ins and outs of compiling a Dutch portfolio. I'll receive my results within a month. Rather a long time, in my opinion. But whatever the outcome, I am relieved it's over.

Now, on to tomorrow's challenges. Bring them on!