Yesterday marked three months since my move to Germany. The anniversary helped put things in perspective for me. I’ve been frustrated that I’m not making progress learning German, but when I realize it’s only been 3 months, I feel better.

Still, I hate that it’s so tough to have a basic conversation, especially when people ask me for directions on the street or ask for help at the train station. I think I’ve helped one out of six people in the last week. I guess I should be celebrating that rather than lamenting it.

I carry flash cards with me and do lessons out of my German in 10 Minutes a Day book every morning on the train. I attend Wednesday nights after work. I plan out what I need to say before I go into a store. I listen attentively at the gym when the workout is explained in German, imagining the language being absorbed into my brain, thinking that I have to be gaining something from just listening, right?

Meanwhile, I have perfected the blank stare.

My friend has started including a German translation with her texts to help me learn. She came over the other night and we made dinner and baked. I taught her American phrases and she taught me German. I made her almond flour cookies and bread, and she brought quark and haloumi cheese.

It’s experiences like these that I don’t take for granted. I know they are facilitating my growth. A little growth and learning every day—and patience—seems like the right recipe for success. I’m excited to see where I’ll be in three months from now.