In the previous blog post, Meghan shared with us the excitement and anticipation waiting for her host student Blanka’s arrival! In this post, Meghan tells us about Blanka’s arrival and the first couple of day in the United States!
Monday August 25, 2025
She’s here!
Blanka arrived on Friday night! I found myself at the airport an hour early, just in case. I was the first family member waiting at the arrivals door with my sign and must have been smiling, because several people said, “we love your sign” or “that is so sweet!”. When she came through the door, she recognized me before I recognized her – or maybe it was the sign…
We kind of nervous chatted while we waited for her bags and then on the way home, she chatted nonstop for an hour and a half! We got back around 2:00 a.m. and she wanted to shower, unpack and show me all her things. I was so tired! We ended up hitting the hay around 3:00 a.m.
Showing my Exchange Daughter around!
I knew that it would be important for her to start adjusting her sleep, so Saturday we were up and eating breakfast around 8:00 a.m. To help her get oriented, I took her on a walk-through town and showed her the coffeeshops, parks and places to avoid at nighttime. Then we went for a new student orientation with our Greenheart Local Coordinator. There were eight other students there, so she got to make some new friends.
On the way home, our conversation felt more natural and casual, she loves to chat, so we talked the whole drive. She even asked me to help her pick out her first day of school outfit! I feel so honored!
Out and about!
Sunday morning, we went school shopping, stopping at a neighborhood garage sale. We met lots of people who were eager to small talk. Every time I introduced her as my “exchange daughter”, we got lots of questions. Several people told me, “Wow, that is a great thing you are doing!”. I let them know that they could host, too!
Family Planner for Us!
Blanka and I made a joint decision to get a family planner to write down all of the important school dates and keep track of our plans together. Blanka found one that says “A new era of me” on the front. We got it and changed it to “A new era of *us*” 
More to come!
Meghan
Are you interested in opening your heart and home to an international high school student? Visit HostWithGreenheart.org to apply to host!
Know of a family who might be a good fit to host? Visit ReferWithGreenheart.org and if they are new hosts with Greenheart, you earn a reward!