Surprise! One Big Happy Family
I still remember where I was when I sent Jerry the first text message about hosting a foreign exchange student. Siting in Zoup! enjoying a delicious bowl of lobster bisque. A friend posted something on Facebook looking for a home for a student. This was around the end of November (great soup weather).
I immediately thought of another friend that I knew had hosted a student before. So I reached out to him and asked if he would be interested and if so, I would happily make the connection. Sadly, he was unable. But, then I jokingly sent a screenshot to Jerry and said something along the lines of "Hey, maybe this is a good step towards that foster care thing we have wanted to do." How did I think he would respond? I'm not entirely sure. I don't think I expected much. His response, "That sounds awesome. Contact her and see what it is all about."
Uhm, ok, sure. So In the middle of Zoup! I give the local coordinator (who happens to be my former neighbor) a call. I learned about the requirements and how she thought we would be great for this and relayed all of that to Jerry. That night (because who needs time to digest and process, right?!?) we sat down with our children (ages 12, 9, and 7) and asked their opinion. We were very clear that this would be a family decision. If even one said no, then we would not continue moving forward. However, it was a resounding yes. Emma was so excited to have an older sibling. Kota really wanted us to bring another boy into the house. And while Gabby was very excited, she also was very worried that a child coming from another country would really miss their family.
It was a long process. We had a lot of paperwork, and pictures, background checks, and home visits. But we were approved and the excitement grew. Then we started looking at students. We had a few things that we were looking for, but Jerry and I quickly narrowed it down to our top 3 students. Then we shared highlights of those students with the kids. All 3 of them (And Jer and I) chose the same one as our top student.
And here we are 8 months later and that student has been living with us for almost 3 weeks. Transitions are hard. They almost never run smoothly. Even when they are happy and exciting transitions, they can still be difficult. But Alvaro is here and we are adjusting. How have the first 3 weeks been? In one word....
Surprising
I am surprised that almost everyone gets along really well. (no major concerns, Kota is just going through a phase that makes him not get along with anyone unless his face is in an electronic).
I am surprised how well him and Emma get along and look after each other. Things like picking up the other ones backpack when we are running just a little late for school.
I am surprised that a teenage boy is perfectly okay with this crazy host mom hugging him in front of his friends.
I am surprised how much everyone enjoys family dinners and talking.
I am surprised that board games or cards are fun for everyone from 8 years old to 37.
I am surprised how much better I suddenly seem to be sleeping, and yet how difficult it is when one child is not home.
I am surprised that there have not yet been any real major issues.
I am surprised how fast people speak in other languages (though he says we talk fast as well).
I am surprised at how excited Jerry and I both are to watch a soccer game.
I am surprised at the deep meaningful conversations that 2 teenagers want to have in the evenings.
3 weeks in and I find myself being surprised a lot. And in good ways. Everyone is back in school and I think adjusting to the new school year well. I am looking forward to what life has in store for us from now until June.
I immediately thought of another friend that I knew had hosted a student before. So I reached out to him and asked if he would be interested and if so, I would happily make the connection. Sadly, he was unable. But, then I jokingly sent a screenshot to Jerry and said something along the lines of "Hey, maybe this is a good step towards that foster care thing we have wanted to do." How did I think he would respond? I'm not entirely sure. I don't think I expected much. His response, "That sounds awesome. Contact her and see what it is all about."
Uhm, ok, sure. So In the middle of Zoup! I give the local coordinator (who happens to be my former neighbor) a call. I learned about the requirements and how she thought we would be great for this and relayed all of that to Jerry. That night (because who needs time to digest and process, right?!?) we sat down with our children (ages 12, 9, and 7) and asked their opinion. We were very clear that this would be a family decision. If even one said no, then we would not continue moving forward. However, it was a resounding yes. Emma was so excited to have an older sibling. Kota really wanted us to bring another boy into the house. And while Gabby was very excited, she also was very worried that a child coming from another country would really miss their family.
It was a long process. We had a lot of paperwork, and pictures, background checks, and home visits. But we were approved and the excitement grew. Then we started looking at students. We had a few things that we were looking for, but Jerry and I quickly narrowed it down to our top 3 students. Then we shared highlights of those students with the kids. All 3 of them (And Jer and I) chose the same one as our top student.
And here we are 8 months later and that student has been living with us for almost 3 weeks. Transitions are hard. They almost never run smoothly. Even when they are happy and exciting transitions, they can still be difficult. But Alvaro is here and we are adjusting. How have the first 3 weeks been? In one word....
Surprising
I am surprised that almost everyone gets along really well. (no major concerns, Kota is just going through a phase that makes him not get along with anyone unless his face is in an electronic).
I am surprised how well him and Emma get along and look after each other. Things like picking up the other ones backpack when we are running just a little late for school.
I am surprised that a teenage boy is perfectly okay with this crazy host mom hugging him in front of his friends.
I am surprised how much everyone enjoys family dinners and talking.
I am surprised that board games or cards are fun for everyone from 8 years old to 37.
I am surprised how much better I suddenly seem to be sleeping, and yet how difficult it is when one child is not home.
I am surprised that there have not yet been any real major issues.
I am surprised how fast people speak in other languages (though he says we talk fast as well).
I am surprised at how excited Jerry and I both are to watch a soccer game.
I am surprised at the deep meaningful conversations that 2 teenagers want to have in the evenings.
3 weeks in and I find myself being surprised a lot. And in good ways. Everyone is back in school and I think adjusting to the new school year well. I am looking forward to what life has in store for us from now until June.
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