Written by CHI host mom, Gina Farschman, June 2011
Today is the last full day that Em will be here – -in my house — as my kiddo.
tomorrow she flies home
A year ago — well a bit longer — I was approached to see if I wanted to be a host parent.
there were tons of reasons not to do it
It’s expensive to feed another person — particularly a teen
it takes a lot of time
they’re in your house — um — ALL the time
there’s culture shock on both sides
and
there’s a huge language barrier
and at first — I thought — OMG — what have I done — this is the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.
I have no parenting experience
and at first — school was awful
for us both
and it was hard for her to make friends
and it was hard for us to connect
and it was hard
just hard
but here’s the thing
being a host parent has changed me
it’s given me a broader view of the world
it’s given me stronger communication skills
it’s built greater patience
it’s built greater understanding
and
She has changed and grown so much this year
not just in her language
but also socially
and in maturity
she’s more independent
she’s stronger
she’s more confident
she’s ready to face the world
We’ve changed each other
forever.
She and I will always be
family
always
So I’m writing this today — to encourage you — to sometimes — maybe — make a dumb decision.
it may be the best decision you ever made.
