I had approached Brian last year with the idea of becoming a host family to a boy coming to the United States from Spain. After several short discussions we came to the conclusion that it just wasn't the right time. Thankfully another local Hartland family decided they would like the opportunity to take this boy in for the school year.
Over the course of the next year Cameron became close friends with Gorge (the student from Spain) through classes at school and the Golf Team. Over the year Cameron was able to get to know this stranger who quickly became his friend. They learned from one another, taught each other things and remain friends even after his departure from the US.
It was April of this year when we were approached again by the hosting exchange program with another opportunity. My excitement quickly began to rise at the thought of having the ability to host. I knew however Brian would not be up for the idea of hosting once again. "What do you think about hosting a boy from Spain next school year" I said. To my disbelief Brian said "who is he and what are the details". Over the next month we began to discuss the details and had many conversations with our kids. What would it look like adding another child in our home? How would we divide our time? What could we do individually to teach this boy about America? What positive things could we as a family take out of this experience?
It was a no brainer. The kids were excited, Brian was on board and I was ready for this opportunity. We applied, we sent page after page explaining our family, how we functioned and what we had to offer this teenage boy. I already knew how amazing my kids were, their generosity, there huge hearts, and there desire to learn and grow. Brian as a father, a man, a husband and a friend could lead by example what it is to be an American man. We sent pictures and waited....
We were beyond excited the day we received the call and the letter from this sweet boy named Pablo who was anxiously awaiting the opportunity to come to America. Over the next month we communicated back and forth through social media and email getting to know little details about each other. In just a few short weeks this boy would arrive and would be part of our family for the next year. Would he be the right fit? Did we really have what it takes to offer this boy the experience he deserved?
It was 7:58am and my family of four stood in the airport waving our "welcome Pablo " sign. This was really happening!! We greeted Pablo with huge hugs and smiles as he nervously returned our affirmations. Our family of four was now a family of five! As we loaded into our car for the drive home I thought to myself "this boy and this journey it's really happening and it feels so right".
As I lay in bed this morning with my three kiddos fast asleep I can't help but be humbled. Humbled by the braveness of Pablo for making this journey all alone, leaving behind everything he knows to be in America. Humbled by my family for their willingness to give their time, energy and love to a stranger that they welcomed into their home with open arms. I'm anxious and I'm nervous but I'm so thrilled by this opportunity and what it has to offer all five of us!
Day one brought games, laughter, conversation, awkwardness, nervousness and eventually a bit of comfort. What will day two bring?