Exchange: Anecdotes of an American Host Family & Their Foreign Exchange Student

What to Expect When You're Hosting...as told by an American host mother:Hosting a foreign exchange student is a little of what you expect and a lot of what you could never predict. You find that while the world is indeed round, cultures from around the globe can be polar opposites so, ultimately, what brings people full circle is compassion, communication, and understanding. In EXCHANGE, the Overly family hosts Rafael, a Brazilian foreign exchange student, for eleven months. They experience the gamut of emotions through nuanced situations, some comedic, some cringe-worthy. In 2013, they thought they were givers-of a home, of care, and of their family. In 2014, they concluded their host experience as recipients of invaluable insights, of lessons learned, and of a new family member. What the Overlys gradually found is that by hosting a student, they had the power to make the world a smaller place becoming closer in mindset and in heart. They learned that human connections are the ties that bind. In this racially-charged world, what can we all do to create more peace? Let EXCHANGE show you, one person, one family, and one community at a time. EXCERPT: "Black and white. That's how I described Rafael. He was a person of such extremes, not unlike me, but different. He was a kid, a male, raised in a different part of the world. Where Rafael was often black and white when it came to the quantity of things, I am black and white in principles. Because of our strong and sometimes inflexible personalities, I attempt to find balance related to most things in my days and I tried to persuade Rafael to do the same. To discover moderation. Rafael is stubborn. I'm stubborn. This is a personality strength or flaw, depending on how you look at it. Rafael also has a hearty appetite, relishing hamburgers, donuts, Pop-Tarts, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and ice cream. For this reason and various others, I made a more conscious effort to preach moderation. And, despite any progress we'd made, it didn't always feel like that. When he went on a California vacation, our text exchange seemed to indicate two steps forward, two steps back. Me: How was your flight? Rafael: It was great. The airport has the best donuts. I got a dozen. Me: What? (It felt like Rafael was mocking me.). Rafael: But don't worry, I only ate six. I'll save the other six for later. Reckless abandonment? Blatant defiance? In any case, wow. Unbelievable. Where was the ambitious, overachieving student I thought I was getting? Little did I realize then, he was right before my eyes the entire time."