The suggestion was made last summer, in person by my dear friend. She asked if we would host her son for an exchange year in the United States! (she is French) My gut instinct was to immediately say Yes! but I took some time to think about it and discuss it with Hamp & Sam... it would be a big commitment and a life change for all of us. We decided it would be a wonderful opportunity for us as a family to share our lives and adventures with someone who is already special to our hearts.
So Friday night, we waited for John-Jefferson to arrive at Grand Junction airport and happily welcomed him into our home!
I can not imagine how stressful and bittersweet it would be to put your 16 year-old on an international flight alone, knowing you would not see them for 10 months! But my friend, as always was gracious and thoughtful about her post upon his departure from Paris:
"We strive to share our values and give roots to our children. They grow up and you reach the day when the courage enables you to offer the greatest gift of all: Wings to fly!
Our hearts are very heavy today but we are so proud of you, John-Jefferson.
After 8 very long months, an incredible journey with amazing people is about to start for you in Colorado. You become a citizen of a world which needs more care and understanding and you will be a great one."
So to John-Jefferson's family, I would like to say:
He is in good hands! I will love him like my own son and I will guard his heart and his mind carefully while he grows into the world citizen that you envision. He will have grand adventures with us and create memories and friendships that will last his lifetime. Congratulations, you have truly given your son very special and amazing gift.
And to Hamp & Sam, I would like to say:
Enjoy this experience. It is a gift for you, too. You will learn to open your heart and your mind and you will learn to share - your space, your friends, your community, your culture and your time. This lesson will help you grow into a more compassionate and generous adult. Besides, with John-Jefferson here I will want to make better meals and take us all on fun adventures so it's really better for you, too!
So Friday night, we waited for John-Jefferson to arrive at Grand Junction airport and happily welcomed him into our home!
I can not imagine how stressful and bittersweet it would be to put your 16 year-old on an international flight alone, knowing you would not see them for 10 months! But my friend, as always was gracious and thoughtful about her post upon his departure from Paris:"We strive to share our values and give roots to our children. They grow up and you reach the day when the courage enables you to offer the greatest gift of all: Wings to fly!
Our hearts are very heavy today but we are so proud of you, John-Jefferson.
After 8 very long months, an incredible journey with amazing people is about to start for you in Colorado. You become a citizen of a world which needs more care and understanding and you will be a great one."
So to John-Jefferson's family, I would like to say:
He is in good hands! I will love him like my own son and I will guard his heart and his mind carefully while he grows into the world citizen that you envision. He will have grand adventures with us and create memories and friendships that will last his lifetime. Congratulations, you have truly given your son very special and amazing gift.
And to Hamp & Sam, I would like to say:
Enjoy this experience. It is a gift for you, too. You will learn to open your heart and your mind and you will learn to share - your space, your friends, your community, your culture and your time. This lesson will help you grow into a more compassionate and generous adult. Besides, with John-Jefferson here I will want to make better meals and take us all on fun adventures so it's really better for you, too!
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