When I was approached with the question to host an exchange student for the school year I was immediately on board. The idea of sharing something that I have with someone who wants what I have to offer was very appealing to me.
I know, I know... some of you think "I have my hands full enough & I can't control my own kids, why on earth would I want to add more to the mixture?"
The answer is simple really, I'm a very charitable person & I experience a sense of euphoria knowing I'm contributing to the fulfillment of another persons dream.
So, less then a week after the question was asked if we would consider being a host family, we were expecting not just 1 but 2 exchange students.
The first to arrive was Marlene Gumpoldsberger. Her name is said nothing like it looks....
Marlene is a beautiful, intelligent, talented 18 year old from Austria. Intelligent and talented don't even begin to give her justice. She is absolutely amazing! She knows 4 languages & speaks English fluently. She has an international drivers license, she has already graduated from high school in Austria at the top of her class. She knows more about the history of America then I will ever know, not to mention every other country in the world, including the currencies, customs, religions & time zones for each. I have yet to witness her talents but from what I gather she is an amazing cello player & could teach us all a step or two in ballroom dancing.
Did I mention she thinks things through before she acts. This is a concept I have not yet developed but always wish I would think before I do, after I've done before I thought. :)
In Austria kids are allowed to drink at the age of 14, and at the age of 16 they can drink hard alcohol. They have no real curfews & can date at a very young age. None of this appeals to her. Well, most of it. Her beauty has captured the heart of a certain young Austrian boy, Phillip. But we have nothing to worry about while she's here. She is a parents dream child!
We are thrilled to have Marlene in our home for the year!
She had a bit of a challenge getting here, as her connecting flights in D.C. did not connect & she was stranded in that HUGE airport for 18 hours. Thank goodness there are good people scattered out across the globe & one of them took care of Marlene. She was given a room to rest in, money for food & the sweet lady got her on the first flight out the next morning.
So our first arrival that was scheduled for Saturday, August 1st at 4:30 pm, actually arrived on Sunday, August 2nd at 1pm.
Welcome to our home Marlene! We are glad you FINALLY made it here & hope you enjoy your stay with us!
Our second exchange student to arrive was 16 year old Chavisa Mamung Tuntachon, from Thailand. She likes to be called "Film" & I'm pretty sure it's because she should be in the movies. She has got a personality that catches the attention of everyone she is around. Sure she's a bit shy and reserved at first, but it doesn't take long to get her to warm up and come out of her shell, & I'm pretty sure we have only tipped the iceberg with this one!
She cracks me up! And since I love to laugh, we will get along perfectly! Not only does she entertain us all, she also cooks, loves little kids and animals, is very eager to help, and although her driving skills have much to be desired, I think she will get the hang of it fairly quickly. (She's really eager to learn, as long as it's not math! haha)
Francine was excited for our new addition to arrive and was offering to take any and all people she saw at the airport home with us.
Welcome Film! Kob Kun Ka, Ka Ting Dang! (thank you, red bull)
Franny followed her everywhere with the sign. She's such a concerned child and didn't want Film to get confused. I know how she thinks all white people look the same :)
Here's to a great, adventurous, fun filled, American adventure!
Mother-Daughter night at Ramona Murdocks. We had dutch oven dinner and made tye-dye pillow cases.
