“we had 3 girls the same age living under one roof”

When I was asked to write a short letter sharing our experience with hosting a foreign exchange student, I was honored. Our experience was possibly not like many, as we didn’t expect to have our Helle [from Norway].  She was a surprise for us, but what a blessing she turned out to be.  Helle became fast friends with my daughter at the beginning of the school year.  She moved into our home in October and stayed through May.  She quickly became part of our family and part of our hearts.  There were growing pains along the way, as could be expected with 2 girls of the same age.  They fought like sisters and made up like sisters!

I would encourage anyone to considering becoming a host family.

During Helle’s stay, we also had another foreign exchange student of the same age for 3 months.  When I would share with people that we had 3 girls the same age living under one roof, I received wide eyes and shocked faces!  But my heart and house could not have been more full.  It can be an adjustment for the family, but the pros far outweigh any cons for hosting.  Helle will forever be a part of our family.  We have gained extended family as well by meeting her relatives.

I wouldn’t trade the time spent with them for all the money in the world.

Becoming a host family was never even on my radar prior to this year.  The experience for us has been nothing but a positive one and I hope more families consider being a part of this wonderful program.

Angela Hill
ICES Host Mom, Missouri