Uxue is our exchange student from Spain. Much like everything else we do, we made a life changing decision pretty last minute and life has been a bit of a whirlwind since then! The kids have asked several times over the years to host a student. Having a large family with limited bedroom space made hosting a challenge so we never really followed through on it.
In late August after wrapping up Emily’s final senior session we were driving home & she asked me about what happens to to the kids that get approved for an exchange program but do not have a family that selects them. At that moment my heart sank. I thought about the hard work these kids have put into the selection process and how heartbreaking it must be to not get chosen. I then thought about the bedroom in our house that sat essentially empty now that the kids are older. Finally Emily went in for the kill & pointed out that since she was a senior this would be her final opportunity to host. Later that afternoon we would begin a whirlwind 6 days of paperwork, cleaning, organizing and preparing to open our home for a year to Uxue.
We have just slid past the one month part since her arrival and it has really been one of the best decisions we have ever made. Uxue is like another child that was being raised by us, just in Spain. She has fit right in since day 1. I know I will be a hot mess come June when it is time to return her to her parents …. but for now I’ll enjoy this ride!
If you have ever considered hosting a student or want to know more, let me know!
