There have been many heartfelt moments being host parents
The Steeles are currently hosting their fourth exchange student, Candice from China. They became interested in foreign exchange from another local host family. So, later they got connected with YFU. It certainly needs courage and determination to embrace new family members into the household, especially when they come from a different background. Such motivation is based both on belief and curiosity. As a Christian household, the Steeles family seeks to extend hospitality to others and share about Christian faith.
“As an exchange student myself” says Yiyi (Sarah) Wang from China, exchange student to the US in 2022-2023, “I experienced their devoted care and unconditional love, as well as a pious way of living, which pointed me towards accepting Christian beliefs as life principles. They are also curious people who love to learn about different cultures and bond with unique individuals”.
“There have been many heartfelt moments being host parents” Chanda, the host mom, mentioned her awareness about the shift in the relationship with the students. She loves the moment when their first exchange student Lin Ken from China called her “mom” for the first time. Because Lin Ken initially called her by her first name, such change truly was a transformative moment, reminding her that they had become a family. As for the host brother and sister, Joel and Grace, they listed their favorite memories with each student: tickle fight and pranks with Lin Ken, watercolor paint and making dumplings with Lily (the second exchange student, also from China), “hype-squad” and “sister-bond” with Sarah. As Candice’s exchange year is on-going, they picked girl-talks and anime discussions as favorite memories so far, yet they are expecting more fun with her! These lovable and memorable details are a reason for their message to all families that are considering hosting: Do it, it’s extremely rewarding!
The rewards come not only from special memories, but also from long-term and mutual influence. Grace spoke about how having host brothers and sisters throughout the years helped form her open mindset, knowing that everyone is unique and beautiful. The first step to discovering this is to understand that not everyone grew up the way she did. So, she is always very intentional about individuality and avoids comparison. Such openness and equality also permeate the household. She also brought up a tip for new host families: “it’s normal that reality is different from expectations. In fact, it is flexibility that makes the year more adventurous! So be creative with your events and enjoy each other’s company”.
“From a previous exchange student’s point of view, their influence on me was also very positive” shares with us Sarah “they made my exchange year fun and unique in the way that it was spiritual. I have wrestled with different worldviews, philosophies and ideas. I was eventually drawn to Christian teachings which illuminated my inner world. It was a wonderful experience to grow both spiritually and mentally as I also became more independent, confident and intentional about living a fulfilled life. From the exchange year, I came to know that there is always another kind of life, which grants me an open mind to be unafraid to jump out of the box”. Candice, the current exchange student, encourages every exchange student to reach out to the locals when loneliness comes and not to be too hard on yourself. She also sensed many differences about life, values and communities between China and the US, which enriched her internally. A large point that we all mentioned is difference, yet how much greater is our mutual effort in building up an empathetic environment to make collective memories. Candice and Sarah are close as well, just like “a sister who studies abroad for college” as they put it. “I can be open” Candice says, “to talk to Sarah about life’s challenges, because she has been through the same things”, this connection is very special for both of them.
Lastly, the Steeles shared some of their favorite family activities and traditions: family game nights, movie nights (with ice cream, popcorn, blankets and kitties), dinner times, playing escape rooms, Christ-centered Christmas celebration, Thanksgiving dinners, and Easter dinners. It is not hard to see that this is a fun family all year round!