Summer Reunions

I had lunch with Tereza and Miso on Saturday. They hadn't experienced Panera's yet, I guess there weren't that many Paneras around three years ago when they were here for their exchange year. Needless to say, it was great to see them.  Tereza is from the Czech Republic and Miso (Michael) is from Slovakia. So they speak basically the same language...and English as well. 

This is Miso's first time back visiting his host family and Tereza's second, but Tereza's host Mom and sister also spent a large part of last summer with her in the Czech Republic. "Wow, I guess you're part of the family now Tereza" I commented.  Her reply made me smile. "Of COURSE!" 

I love to hear about the reunions and the continued relationships, the overseas visits - all these things. The signs that the "year of exchange" really has built a bridge built around the world! Someone asked me recently if this was common - assuming this is the exception rather than the rule. I don't know accross the board, I can only answer about my own kids. I took a look at the students I've had over the past four years and tried to count the number of reunions that I know of. It was pretty good, I thought. 

Numbers that made me feel good! Six of the 11 students/families in the first group; five of twelve in the second; three of nine in last year's group. But the numbers rise as time goes on and more opportunities happen. Last year's number will go up. I already know of two more reunions being planned.

That's not to say that there will be some reunions that will NEVER happen. Not all matches are perfect and for some, a year together sufficies for life!!! (There are probably many parents who would not wish to reunite with their own teen-aged children!) But still...

I'm pretty lucky in all this too. Anytime I travel to one of my student's home countries, I have a family to visit. It's the best way to see the world - from the view point of the locals and with an interpreter!!! Not that I can flit around the world that much, but that's another one of the other big perks of doing what I do...annual international meetings, different country every year. This really does serve as a great motivator to place students I must say. And then when I see evidence that these relationships continue one, it's even better! Certainly works for me!