[Though his expression falls a bit, he works hard to keep a smile on his face, tugging at his fingers while he thinks over the statement.] Oh my, well. I do have some of my friends here, and that does help.

I suppose I'm trying to keep optimistic about the whole thing really. Yes, it's strange, and of course I miss home and the friends that aren't here. But it's the situation that I'm in, and it's not within my power to change that.

So I will continue to do the best with what is offered me.