Bore da from California. I am learning Welsh in a void because I have nobody to chat with in the language here. I’m proud to say that I just finished Level 1 last night! However, I started right in on lesson 1 of Level 2 and found it to be much more difficult and I’m a bit discouraged. Any advice on how to proceed? Words of encouragement? Diolch yn fawr!
Carol
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Hi,
Must be difficult living so far from Wales. Try the phone app Amikumu where there are people all over the world looking for people to chat too. Also many learners on SSiW come from many different countries and I’m sure there will be someone in your country who will be willing to chat on Slack or Skype. Give it a try.
Best wishes.
Rob.
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Hello Carol,
in Italy, I’m not as as far from Wales as you, but still no way to chat in Welsh in person every day over here.
First of all, I would say: don’t be discouraged. there’s always up and downs in learning, and sometimes I found it helpful just to take a little break from the Challenges to let them sink in and settle.
I the meantime, I kept in touch with the language by listening to songs and watching a bit of S4C TV channel in Welsh (via computer) - while some may prefer radio or books…I guess anything you enjoy will do.
Also, just like @RobMorgan suggested, there’s the chance to chat via Skype or the Welsh Speaking Practice Group on Slack (if you don’t know what it is, just ask here in the Forum).
Not to mention you might even get the chance to participate to some California meeting… (but it looks like @sasha-lathrop’s answering so she’ll keep you updated!) 
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Bore da from California too @carol-smith. I can’t remember if we’ve “met” on the forum yet, but I live in Sacramento and I would love to practice with you and I am happy to give you tons of encouragement! What part of California do you live in? We might be able to meet in person from time to time, and if not, there’s the magic of the internet.
I found Level 2 much harder to start with, too, so I just made use of the pause button and the 15 seconds back button as much as necessary until the new structures started to stick and I got my stride back. You will adjust! I finished Level 2 on Tuesday, and I start the Deep End (Level 3) tomorrow, wahoo!
I make use of a notebook to write what I’ve learned, and I am using Anki to make flashcards… both of which have been helping me enormously.
I am happy to chat on Skype, just give me an idea of when some good times are for you and we can work something out if you’re interested.
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Yeah, as @gisella-albertini pointed out, you’re not alone! A lot of us live far, far from Wales, and some of us are not so far from you! There aren’t any local events on the books at the moment, but that’s not to say we can’t arrange one! 
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It’s a truth that interim periods tend to be very tense for people. Moving on from one thing to another can make us feel a bit insecure. I know I felt that when I started Level 2. However, my mantra for some weeks now has been “Trust the process”. I’ve learnt to simply press on because everything does fall into place despite any doubts I may have (& I have quite a few from time to time). Keep on keeping on & try to enjoy the journey rather than worry about it. We’re all in the same boat & know how important it is to receive support & to give it when we can. Hope you feel supported at this time in your journey.
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Thanks very much. I kind of figured I’d press on, and that it would take me longer - but not to let that stop me. Iechyd da!
I like in Thousand Oaks, so I’m not that close to you unfortunately. I am not sure how much of a conversation I could keep up at this point, unless we talk about the old lady we met at the pub who knows someone who works with your sister (lol). I could potentially do some morning skype sessions, I work rotating shifts so it’s always kind of up in the air when I have free time.
Yeah, Thousand Oaks pretty dang far, but I am happy to meet up on Skype and chat with you using whatever Welsh you have so far. I have my notebook I can refer to beforehand to get an idea where you’re at in the challenges, and we can go from there! I really do think you’ll find yourself getting into your stride soon, and you’ll be amazed what you’re talking about. I have a lot of time in the mornings, so you can just let me know. I will PM you my skype name and email. 