I get asked a lot about having an international exchange student. What’s it like, how did you decide to do it, what have you learned – and most recently – are you going to be ok or really sad when she leaves? Well, it will be an adjustment and a big change for me. I’ll really miss my Polish daughter Marysia.
This is the second time I hosted an exchange student – my
first time was hosting my other Polish daughter, Ola. For me, it’s a good use
of my talents and gifts - I like to host people and have gatherings at my
house, I enjoy traveling, I like to learn about other countries and cultures, I
have worked with youth for many years, and I also like to show people around
Minnesota and all its beautiful nature and charming towns. I really enjoyed
hosting both years and hope to do so again in the future.
My thoughts
I wanted Marysia to experience America and some of the
highlights, as well as provide a home for her here in the U.S. As her American mom, I aimed
to support her and listen to her; to help her through any questions she had
about school; answer questions about culture, language and grammar; and to be
there for her. I learned about her and her interests, her favorite foods and
the foods she didn’t like, about her friends and family, and about her past
adventures. I filled her in on my past travels too. I’m so thankful I had the
opportunity to get to know Marysia and be her host mom this year, as I think
back on many of those conversations.
Our adventures in
Rochester and beyond
We have had many adventures and memorable moments this year.
I know a lot of friends and family have followed our year of adventures on
social media – I wanted to share a bit about life hosting an exchange student.
We went up north and to a friend’s lake place. Marysia got to go tubing and
kayaking.
Within the first couple weeks, Marysia loved Caribou Coffee
and Noodles, knew her way around Target, often shopped for groceries with me at
Hy-Vee, and had picked up some American phrases.
Marysia’s life in
Rochester and attending American high school
She already knew English so well, but she perfected her
English even more as the year went on. She could understand my fast-speaking
Minnesotan accent most of the time, and learned “Uff-dah” and other “important”
phrases we use.
After a while she got settled in, she decorated her room,
made friends with my two dogs and cat, got to know my neighbors, made dinners
with me, and had the city bus route all figured out to take the bus to school and
the gym. I think my home was starting to feel like home to her at last – her
American home.
Traveling around
Since she loved to travel and explore, like me, we made
plans to travel to a couple other states and many cities. We visited southern
California’s beaches and the Texas plains. We drove along the Great River Road
in Wisconsin. We explored the waterfalls on the North Shore in Minnesota. We
went to plays and events in the Cities, walked on Grand Avenue, went to a Twins
game at Target Field, strolled through Rice Park in St. Paul, and walked along the
Lake of the Isles.
Wintertime in
Minnesota
And in the winter, we played in the snow. We went sledding, skating and made a snowman. We visited the Ice Castles and the Luminary Loppet.
We also had some great conversations. We talked about deeper
issues like God, my beliefs and the reason behind some traditions in the U.S.
I learned about Polish politics and history from her. But then we also talked
about cute boys and crushes- because even at my age, I still have those
crushes!
I had a big birthday in December (turning 40!). Marysia woke
me up with a muffin a candle for me to blow out, and once I came in the kitchen
I found it decorated with streamers and ribbons and balloons. It was so
thoughtful of her. It was a great birthday because she put so much thought and
time into decorating and helping me host a party.
Marysia was wonderful
to host!
Marysia met some of my family and my friends from book
group, church, work and others in town – and she met some of my old friends
from college too. She got to know my brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew –
and they all loved spending time with her. Everyone thought she was wonderful
and friendly – which is true, of course!
I’ll miss her. I’ve really enjoyed my time with her this
year and I look forward to hearing updates about school, her friends and
family, her travels and more. I’ll treasure the year I spent with Marysia and
will keep her in my thoughts and prayers as she continues on to her next
adventures in life. And even though she isn’t my real daughter, I’ll always
consider her my Polish daughter.