In our last blog post, Life of a First-Time Host Mom – Part 3: Getting Familiar!, Meghan shared all the details of her exchange student, Blanka’s exciting first week in the U.S.! Now, in the fourth installment of this series, she dives into the world of sports while witnessing Blanka’s quick adaptation to her surroundings and new community.
Finding Community on the Field
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
This past week, I experienced a new phase of host motherhood…cheering from the sidelines. My host daughter, Blanka, joined the field hockey team! When she first arrived, she said she wanted to join a sports team, but I honestly had no idea how to advise her to go about that and suggested she ask her gym teacher. The gym teacher introduced her to the coach, who sent her home with paperwork for us to fill out. I printed off the physical exam documentation that Greenheart provided and sent it back to school with her. Unfortunately, it was just over a year old, so we had to schedule an appointment somewhere.
Although Blanka has health insurance through a provider that Greenheart works with, it doesn’t cover the cost of a sports physical. I called our local family planning doctor’s office to explain that she’s under 18 with limited insurance and needs a sports physical—they got us in the next day, and that afternoon she participated in her first practice.
The coach provided her with a field hockey stick and added me to a group chat with the other parents, so I took the opportunity to introduce myself and explain Blanka is an exchange student with Greenheart. Each parent responded, welcoming me to their group chat and sharing how excited their kids were to meet Blanka at practice. One mom even texted me individually, offering to bring Blanka a team t-shirt and be on call if I had any questions.
I’m quickly seeing how sports are a wonderful way for not only her to build community, but for me as well! I’m really looking forward to meeting the other parents at the upcoming games and post-practice parking lot pickup chit-chats.It’s not always easy finding new ways to make new friends in your 30s, but hosting an exchange student who wants to be actively involved quickly provides more opportunities than I imagined when I signed up for this hosting experience!
As Meghan continues to open up new chapters of her journey as a first-time host mom, follow along on our social media or here for more updates!
Are you interested in opening your heart and home to an international high school student? Visit HostWithGreenheart.org to apply to host!