The Year of Maria
When we began looking at
student applications we were looking for a student who we felt would fit in
well with our family and community and someone who we felt we could offer a
great experience. Once we read Maria’s
letter to her potential American family we were sold! She portrayed her personality in her letter
and was really genuine! She ended her
letter with, “So, this is me-purposeful, positive, interested in learning all
new, friendly girl, who can’t wait to know her host family and become a part of
them!”
Maria was 15 when she arrived
and was in the 10th grade at BHS.
When she arrived we had arranged for a student at BHS to come with us to
the airport so she would have someone her age to meet and that would be going to
school with her. We thought this would
help with the transition since she would know someone. Cheyenne and Maria actually became really
good friends and did many things throughout the year together. The airport lost her luggage so we took her
to Walmart and Plato’s Closet on her first night so we could get her clothes
for the next day since she had to immediately start school. I could write for days on our year with Maria.
We had an amazing first year of
hosting with Maria! I told her many
times that she had ruined us because we couldn’t possibly have any kids later that would be as good as her. Our adventures
with Maria were too many to name for sure, but some of the highlights
included:
Atlanta trips, Kings of Leon concert, One Direction concert,
Alabama Football, High school Football, The Script Concert, Snow Day, Prom,
Sarah McLaughlin, New Orleans, Gulfport Trip, Sweet 16 Birthday…not
to mention Christmas, Easter and so much more!
It was an amazing year for sure
and I can’t describe how much fun it was!
We went from being nervous at the airport waiting for her to crying when
she had to go home. We stay in touch with
Maria and it always makes our day to hear from her whether it is an email, Facebook
message, post or Instagram! She will always
be our daughter!
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