Saying Good Bye ...

You think that you'll never do it again. Once hurt, twice shy kinda thing. Have you been there?
We have been hosting Chinese elementary students in our home for four years now. After the first time I said I can't do this again.
You take two lovely people into your home and then think you can just say good - bye after a week or two. Not that easy. It's an emotional roller coaster for sure.

But each time the email comes around and they are in need of host families, we are one of the first to sign up. My girls take turns offering up their bedrooms. They say they don't want to do it again, but every time they are all giggly over their new - found friends. They don't want them to leave. Good byes are hard and long. 

This year I had the privileged of leading the group. I was so honored to be able to communicate to the whole group (33 students and 3 chaperones) through a Chinese/American translator. We taught daily English classes and then toured our local hot spots. It was so much fun! We only lost a student once! HA! Her friend left her behind as she noticed the time and poor Tina (her American name) was stuck in a mall with 10's of entrances. Finally I tracked a slightly shaken Chinese teenager down.

They come to learn the language and get a taste of your culture. One year our "daughters" made us a traditional Chinese dish of rice and chicken. We'll never forget the two pound bag of MSG bought at the local Asian store for the meal. They said they had to have it. They used one table spoon for the dish. We promptly through it away when they left. HA!

In general the kids have always been very polite and cooperative. They "try" our American sandwiches and cereals, but if you ask them if they want Ramen noodles or white rice they are quick to take you up on it.

I love hosting the students because they are not as inhibited as the adults. They will tell you if they like something or don't. Even if their culture is not that up front.

Even though it was very hard to say good bye again this time, I would do it all over again. I can hardly wait until next summer!
Until then, my Chinese friends.
Tammy