It's fun to get back to normal a bit!

The last couple of days it's been fun to just focus on some of our regular life timing issues for around this time of year. The most obvious is of course, the exchange students. As Laura and I prepare to head off to Washington, DC to the annual EF meeting, I have been looking over the early applications coming into Boston. It's so much fun to start looking at next year's group. Start considering the unique personalities of the young people who have decided to be that brave and leave their families, friends, relatives, school and safety and just come to America. Ready to jump into a host family with both feet and their hearts wide open. What an incredible process. They are such special and unique kids and for many families it will be a wonderfu, exciting and memorable year as well.

Cindy and I enjoyed a very pleasurable evening with one such family, Robin, Dennis, Zach and their student Xinglai from Germany. Even Theres from Switzerland came over for Robin's tremendous desert and the good company. It's now February and the kids have their flight dates home and they can't believe that so much of their year is done all ready. They are now well into their Americanization and for most, it is a process that they will never forget but that they can't believe is ending so fast. We all know how fast a year can go.

Another fun part is meeting with new hosts or those that are interested in hosting. It's time for our famous New York trip and this year is no exception to the rule. It looks to be another great trip in April with experienced adults, new first time adults and many of our kids and friends for this year enjoying 5 days in the "Big Apple". It's still not too late to join us. I'm working on Miguel from last year to come with us, so who knows. All are welcome.

And today I can use my blog for a special reason and that is a rescue opportunity, a girl from Sweden that found herself unfortunately in a very radical family situation and totally inappropriate and frightening situation in Kentucky. She is being moved at the expressed wish of the organization and needs a family and school for her last 3 months. Cindy and I are working to find her a possible host family for the remainder of this year. She wants to be a journalist, sings, has little brothers and sisters and is a good student. If you think you might like to try this hosting thing for just a few months, and have few furry pets, which she is allergic to, then give us a call.

I'm rambling a bit but I started with the point that it is such a pleasure to be normal, to focus on some of the regular parts of our lives and to get out and have fun. In the meantime, I continue to feel very few ill effects of Chemo and pain and have found myself enjoying these distractions with VIGOR, reminding myself how much fun friends are. Today, Cindy is meeting with the wife of one of the other EC patients we have met through the support group and they will spend the day down at UC learning as much as they can about the battle with Cancer while they build a new friendship. Looking forward to the snow this weekend. Bundle up, drive carefully everyone and most of all, have fun. You are loved.