its the hugs that get you through the hosting.

We have hosted two amazing children. One was from the Ukraine and the other was from Latvia. Both times that we picked our host child up form the airport they were exhausted and fell asleep in the car. I am sure that it is very overwhelming to arrive in a new country and know that you will be trapped there for a whole month! Our host kids were quiet for the first few days…observing everything. I remember that communication was rather difficult and we did a lot of "showing" in the beginning. If I wanted the kids to help with something I would ask my own kids and then my host child would usually follow along. 

I am not sure what I expected the first time, but both times I was stunned at the awesome ability that  teens have to adapt to new situations. Both of our host kids were able to relax into our wacky family life. That being said, I never asked them to call me mother … although I did do a lot of mothering. My first host child ended with an adoption, and although I feel absolutely and completely like we have a mother/daughter relationship, she still calls me by my first name. She is totally dedicated to our family, her sisters, and new father and mother, but we all celebrate her rich history by reserving the name mom and dad for her  biological parents who are still in Latvia and part of her life.  That has been the most amazing part of this situation. My daughter is still in contact with her Latvian family, with the realization on all parts that she is in a good place. Her parents seem grateful that she is in a safe, happy spot. I think that our daughter has room in her life for all of the people who love her, which is one of the many amazing things about her. 

I have two biological children as well as my adopted daughter. I very much appreciated that I was able to meet and introduce my children to my host daughter. During the hosting experience I was able to watch them interact and to see if we all "fit". Although both of the host kids really seemed to like being the oldest in the group and the privileges it involved, they were kind to my smaller children and did not tease them. They were patient with them. 

At the end of the month I was completely exhausted. I felt like I had been run over by a truck. I also felt like I had run out of funds. That being said, the children had stretched our capacity to love in a way that left an empty spot. I think that the most important thing for them is to watch how families interact and the love that we show each other. .. the clothing, food and the site seeing pass the time, but its the hugs that get you through the hosting.

Overview

 I came to United States in 2008 to experience what it is like to live in America. When I got here, I had a family meet me at the airport that would take me home, and share their home with me for an entire month. I really did not know what to expect. The family that was hosting me had 3 children of their own, and they decided to let me in into their lives. At first, the hardest challenge for me was to communicate with the people here. I knew few words in English but not enough to carry a conversation. The parents here were very carrying and they always made sure that I understood everything. They used Google translator sometimes so I can understand what they were saying to me. I got so attached to the kids in their family. They were very nice and always helping me if I needed anything. I started attending my host family church and all the people there were so friendly, I felt like I was home. The month that I spent here was the Christmas of ’08. I did not know how people in Americans celebrate Christmas. I received so many presents that when I had to go back to Latvia my bag was so packed that I had to leave some things behind. I got very attached to my family, that I had a very hard time leaving them to go back home to Latvia. After I got back home to Latvia, few months later, I received a phone call from the Sanders family asking me If I would like to become a part of their family, and be adopted. I accepted their offer, and now I am a member of their family for almost 5 years!

From being Hosted, to being home!

I have been hosted in USA 3 times, 2 of them were with my forever family.
It is hard to explain what I felt when I first met my host family, but I remember that I was happy and excited to be in different country and to get to know new people.  I was very tired, but I always recognized my host family, because of the pictures what they have sent me. Parents smiled and took me home. The first thing I saw – smile on their faces. I knew they are excited to meet me.
 Two of the families where I stayed at, were extremely great and awesome people.  It was easy to get to know them and open my heart to these people, because I knew I can trust them.  They made sure that I felt comfortable and good at home!
My first visit to USA was in New York. I had an amazing time. Me and my host mom were good friends and I still think of her and pray for her. She left a huge mark in my heart- I felt loved. My second visit was in Atlanta. I had a wonderful time and both sides realized that we have to stay together as a family. I love these people with all my heart and I remember how great it was to be with them and to get to know them.
The key of our relationship was trust and love.  Both of my families told me how loved I was and how good to have me in their family. My first family in NY told me that I was their present for Christmas I will never forget that!  
The hardest thing was is to adjust to the new circumstances and place. Because I always remembered about  my country and also friends.  
I would like to tell to all host families how important they are to us. I would like you to remember even if a kid doesn't show appreciation or love enough to you, it is not because of you, but because of their hurt from the past. Maybe you are the first who will show them love and tell them how important they are. Stay strong in Christ and His love and  make sure you share that love with kids.
I was adopted just not long ago. And I see what a difference these people have done in my life.
I wish you a great Christmas and a good time with your host child.

Welcome.

Hello everyone, 

Welcome to OHHC Hosting experience blog. My name is Kristina Shea, and I will be mediating this blog. Here, you will be able to read stories about other people's experience during the month of hosting. These stories are written by host parents and children, many of them have families and live in the U.S. Hopefully this hosting season I will be able to collect more stories from children that came to visit America this incoming hosting month. If anyone has any desire and wish to share their hosting experience on this blog, you are more than welcome to.

If you have any questions please email me, kristinashea95@gmail.com  

Thank you,

 

Kristina Shea.