i miss my family...

Have you thought about web chatting with your family? I used to think webcams were too expensive but after some research, I discovered that you can get a decent webcam from Walmart for about $20. Another idea can be writing them letters that travel through snail mail. I feel like we're so technologically developed and rely heavily on emails and instant chatting. A hand written letter is very special and be saved and cherished for many, many years. I'm blessed to have my family fairly close to me so I can't say I have can relate to what you're going through. Hope all goes well for you!

maybe you can try video calls aside from chatting...video calling will ease your homesickness because you'd see them. When I'm away from my family, I usually go to a park and stroll around get myself busy to put my mind out of my family for awhile...

Mellow is right web cams are really cheap and is the next thing to live in person view. Although it will not replace the feelings and perhaps make you miss them more because you will not be able to touch and feel their hugs. However, remember why you are there, to improve and better your life, so when you return remember that ill feeling of missing them so very much and it will allow you to relish every moment with them when you get back. You will then appreciate every second you are with them even when they make you mad. That is what life is all about relishing and cherishing our families and this will give you a chance to really appreciate everyone of them even the pets. Good luck if all else fails we are here for you to vent with.