I am so grateful to our friends for opening their hearts and their homes to our family
(Testimonial from a host mom after she spent time in Norway and Germany visiting the natural parents of the students her family hosted.)
“Ten years ago, and then seven years later, our family made the decisions to invite exchange students into our homes. I would love to say that I researched extensively and talked to people about the idea, but no, like everything else we Gatlins do, we did on a wing and a prayer. Our only thought was that we would be helping enrich the lives our visitors and teach them about America. I also figured it was the only way I would ever get daughters, because I certainly was not going to get them the other way….if ya feel me.
Fast forward 11 years later and we were the ones being enriched. I cannot even explain how blessed I feel to have formed friendships with these two families. The last 10 days were a vacation of a lifetime. I saw things and did things that I never thought that I would do in my life. These families were so kind and generous and caring. They put so much time and devotion into making our trip amazing and it far surpassed my dreams. From seeing days where the sun never really sets, to experiencing the crazy life in Berlin, eating the most amazing home cooked meals, to eating brats in a small German town. The mountains, shopping, the fresh streams, the small villages, shopping, the Autobahn, picking cherries, and shopping (hehe), even climbing mountains…but best of ALL, spending time with these wonderful friends!
I am so grateful to our friends for opening their hearts and their homes to our family.”
