Our family is hosting Zoe, the daughter of the family with whom David stayed last year at this time. It is a privilege to have Zoe, their younger daughter, to stay with us.
Yesterday afternoon, we met them at the high school and brought Zoe home with us. We had dinner together at home (chicken enchiladas and green salad), and then we met some of the other families and their guest students at a local ice cream shop for (homemade) ice cream cones and a brief walk in our town’s waterfront park. The French kids had been awake for about 27 hours by the time they went to bed! We kept asking Zoe if she was tired, but she wasn’t, until after the ice cream.
Today, I drove her to school, where David’s French teacher, Mr. Johnson (who organizes these exchanges & led David’s trip) welcomed the group at an assembly.
I noticed that most of the Americans speak way too fast for the French students to follow their conversation. I am wondering what the French kids thought of the “Viking Spirit” cheer they were taught by the high school cheerleaders; I wonder if they have cheerleaders in France.
Our principal spoke, and introduced the French school’s principal.
Our jazz band played the “Marsaillaise,” which is the French National Anthem. The jazz choir sang the Beatles’ song “In My Life.”
The French students were introduced, and they each said a few words in English. Here is Jack, the host of the only male student visitor, introducing the group:
And here is his guest, Julien, speaking:
Then the others had their turn. Here is Zoe, with the microphone:
There are many fun activities planned for the students and their teachers to help them get acquainted with our area and American life. Today, the students will take a walking tour of our town, and eat a Norwegian smorgasbord at the Sons of Norway hall. I am planning a dinner of barbecued wild salmon and asparagus bread pudding with cheese.
Bienvenue a Poulsbo, Ste. Tulles!
10 comments:
This is so exciting. I always wonder about little things other kids experience from other countries..do they have cheerleaders etc.. so this is so interesting. Sounds like the kids are going to have quite a fun trip. BBQ salmon? Hmmm.. I've never had bbq salmon before. : )
I'm sure you and your family will give Zoe memories that will last a lifetime! She is so very lucky to have you as a host family.
This does sound so exciting. I can't wait to hear all about each day, Karen, and hope that you'll post a lot. Also, if you'd like you can call me and I'll sing the French National Anthem to you and your guest. I learned it in seventh grade and have never forgotten it for some weird reason!
That's so cool, Karen. I'm assuming these kids are staying a while--not just here for a week or two. Anyway, keep us posted. It sounds fantastique!
You will be an amazing host. I admire and am so grateful for the lovely family that has taken my son in and extended to him a safe, welcoming "home" while he experiences life in another country. Host "With Joy" (that is my 'motto' with Land)
what a fun day!!!!! Sounds like she is experiencing some fabulous food, I wonder where Kay is from that she has never had fabulous Northwest BBQ Salmon before?????
I can only imagine what is going on in these kids heads right now. So much new stuff to take in.
Zoe has found a great 2nd family at your home....
enjoy!!!
Oh, and your dinner puts anything I ever cook to shame. Thanks for making me feel inferior. I kid, I kid.
Well not really. :0
Wonderful and exciting and all of that plus some more! I envy you the good envy. We had two exchange students in some of the first exchanges here, and it was wonderful and fun, and we laughed a lot and I got letters where their mothers told me they call me their American mother which brings me to tears even now. I am so happy for you. Please share this with the rest of us, this is good for the soul. Hugs from here.
zoe has landed in an incredible home to spend her time here in the US. I think this is such a wonderful gift for all of you. xoxo.
This is so great.
You've got me thinking now....
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