We had the amazing opportunity to host an exchange student from Spain for three weeks this summer. We heard about the program through the high school and since it fell at a time that we would be here, we decided to give it a try. We are so glad that we did.
The program provided day trips 2-3 times a week where the students and any host family members could go and see different sights in the area. They took them to New York, different Philadelphia sites, Ocean City, the Wharton State Forest, and Valley Forge/King of Prussia Mall. Three days a week they had class from 8-12 at one of the high schools. This left us with some afternoons, most evenings, and weekends to spend with our student as a family.
So, this is Joan. (pronounced Jo-on) We took this photo just after he arrived. It is hard to imagine a student that would have fit in better with our family. He spoke English very well and had a great sense of humor. He was also very willing to roll with the punches when plans occasionally changed. The first week Joan was here, Nathan was at scout camp so it was just Steve, Evan, Joan, and I. He was a great sport about that and spent lots of time with Evan outside of his school activities.
Here is Joan with some of the other students at the welcome party the night after they arrived.
Joan and Evan in the pool at the social
We went to Wheaton Village to see glass blowing and pottery making on July 4th.
Here is Evan trying his hand at pottery making, too.
The boys at the Lake at Wheaton Village
Playing in our pool at home
We got together with some friends for the July 4th fireworks
Playing baseball at the ward party...it was so hot, but still fun
Heading out to the Phillies game
The original night got rained out so they attended a game the next day as part of a double header. It was, unfortunately, a very long pitching battle that went into extra innings. They ended up coming home before the game was over and had to miss the fireworks that were scheduled after the game. They still didn't get home until about 1:30. I think they still had some fun, though.
As you can see, we had other special visitors here for the game. The post about them is coming up next. :)
Evan, Joan, Nate, and I went to Six Flags Great Adventure one day, too. Joan took this photo of Kingda Ka. He liked it the best, I think.
Here are most of the exchange students and some of the host family students at one of the many pool parties they had while he was here. It was very rainy at the beginning, but most of the time was just plain hot and humid. Thank heaven for the pools!!
The Spanish students on the last day of class
Playing Taboo the night before Joan left - Evan is buzzing and Joan is the timer. We played lots of games while he was here.
These last photos were all taken on the day Joan left for home. Even though it was hot, the boys decided to go out and play some sports. Baseball was not a familiar sport to Joan when he arrived, but after watching a lot of Phillies games on TV and actually going to one, I think we may have turned him into a fan of the game....or at least the Phillies. :)
But....basketball is really Joan's sport. He and Nate had played a little earlier in the visit, but they went out on the last day and decided to do some dunks and alley oops. I told them I would get some sweet shots of their skills. Some of them turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Enjoy!!!
They had a lot of fun and were SO sweaty when they were done!!
Here we are just before heading to the school to say goodbye....all smiles.
No worries, the tears came later.
Joan, we will miss you so much. Thanks for coming to New Jersey to share some of your great personality with us. We are so hopeful that we will meet again someday and that you will always remember us fondly, as we do you.
