Where It All Began

Before I delve into all things related to our experience hosting an exchange student, I think it’s important to note where it all began.  My husband and I have been talking for years about fostering or adopting children.  In fact, from as long as I can remember thinking about having kids, I’ve thought someday I would love to adopt: there are so many children in need of loving homes, and I would love to someday give children a life they only ever dreamed of.  That being said, we currently have four small children of our own, and fostering is just not right for us at this point in our lives.  However, when we were presented an opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange program (thank you Facebook!), we saw this as a parallel experience that could be very fun and beneficial for our family. 

Were we hesitant?  Sorta.  We kind of jumped right in.  After Jon and my initial discussion, and talking with both the kids and our parents, in a matter of a couple days, we had made the decision to move forward.  Our coordinator sent us applications that met our somewhat specific criteria, careful to match our family dynamic/interests, and we quickly made a connection with a sweet girl from the Netherlands, through the words on her application alone.  Subsequent moments of hesitation on my part were squelched by the connection I had felt with Mel, who we truthfully knew very little. 

After filling out the initial application, there was an interview process, and following required background checks, we were fully vetted and approved as a host family a couple of weeks later. At that point, we were able to see her full application, including pictures of her with her family and her horse, Gino.

The months following, prior to her arrival, included many video chats with both Mel and her family. As her family prepared to say goodbye, we were busy making preparations for her arrival.

I’m excited to share our experiences as a host family.  Follow along if you wish – in the crazy that is our home, I’m sure there will be lots of laughs and chaos along the way!