Isäntäperheiden kuulumisia
Time has really passed quickly here for us. We have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, having Eveliina with us this year (2011-2012). She has really fit in well with our family! We have had quite a few adventures with her since she arrived in August. We have gone to the mountains for a quick hike near a very picturesque waterfall, we have gone skiing in the Utah Mountains (best snow on earth!) and hope to do more of that throughout the winter season. We have been to see family in northern California and were able to make a quick trip to San Francisco. We rode the zip line at Park City. My daughter Jessica and Eveliina were able to attend a concert in Salt Lake City where several popular bands played. Finally, we have hiked through Timpanogos Caves in the mountains near our home (you can see more here: http://www.nps.gov/tica/index.htm). I believe she has posted all of these adventures on her blog http://thebeautyoflife-utah.blogspot.com/.
We have had a great time with her and we have a long list of more things to do before she leaves.
We were a little worried, at first, if inviting a foreign exchange student into our home was a good idea or not since we were not sure if that person would like being here or like our town, school, family, etc.; but, we are impressed with Eveliina’s openness and willingness to be a part of our family. We are also impressed with her willingness to leave home for a year and brave a new culture, language, school, and people. Truly this takes good courage and a strong heart!
Finally, we feel we are better off with her coming here since we are able to learn more about Finland, its people, language, and customs.
Regards,
Steven T.
Utah, USA
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"We hosted Lauri for two years (2009-2011) as he decided to come back for a second year and graduate from the States. Lauri is an amazing young man and we loved having him with us! We were so thrilled by the experience, we are hosting an exchange student from China this year! My husband and I have three young children (now 9, 8, and 3) and Lauri quickly took on the role of big brother. His American siblings adore him and he was an exemplary role model. He quickly became a part of our family, and the transition was surprisingly easy. He was always respectful and helpful and set a wonderful example for my young children. The kids loved going to Lauri’s football games and wrestling matches and cheering him on; they were so happy when he attended their events as well, and were always proud to show off their Finnish big brother.
I would highly recommend hosting an exchange student. We couldn’t have asked for a more positive experience, and are thrilled that we have made a life time connection with Lauri. He will always have a place in our home. It was wonderful for our children to learn about a different culture as well as share their own."
sincerely,
Kristen R.
North Carolina, USA
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"We hosted Lasse this past year 2010-2011 and quite frankly, we could not have had a better experience. Lasse is such a wonderful young man. He is like a brother to my son and daughter, and a son to me and my wife. Our lives have been blessed by his presence and I am sure that he will be a part of our life for many years to come. I can honestly say that we love him as our own".
Kindest regards,
Pete, Jo, Kennedy & Tyler
North Carolina, USA
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"We really enjoyed hosting Kai this past year. He really extended himself to us, our children and was a great representative of his wonderful family, as well as super ambassador for Finland. I hope he grew and matured during his time, also learned some things about himself.
We shared many meals together and watched life unfold in curious ways at times. I thoroughly enjoyed Kai's disposition and demeanor. We shared lots of laughs and they are certainly times and experiences for the rest of my life.
I want to thank you for entrusting his care to us, he was afforded lots of freedom and we tried to not be overbearing on his actions/decisions. He showed great maturity and intellect that left me impressed. It will be wonderful if we can reunite in the future. When I try to contemplate all the twists and turns in life, it’s hard to predict when that time will be, any more so than I could have predicted that I would be hosting a student from Finland one, two or even five years ago. I will work hard to stay in touch in the interim, but I also realize how challenging that can be. I wish Kai and his family nothing but the best going forward, continued success, prosperity, rewards and fulfillment. “
Matt & Family
Massachusetts, USA
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"We have loved hosting Susanna!!!! She is a delight and feels like she has always been part of our family! Thursday is not a day we want to come because we will finally have to let her return to Finland! We cannot find adequate words to describe how awesome this experience has been for our family! “
Roger & Janet
New York, USA