By Faith Morse, Greenheart Regional Director & Host Mom
This year I am hosting two exchange students, girls, one from Italy and one from the Czech Republic. Indulge me while I explain a little more about my family. When we started hosting, more than 10 years ago, we still had kids at home—a son in college and a daughter in middle school. I remember worrying the first time we applied to host that my family configuration was unusual and might not be accepted for hosting. This is because my family includes a son from my first marriage (who was 22) and a daughter from my second marriage (who was 13). Obviously there is a large gap between their ages, and I wondered if the natural family of an exchange student might feel it weird to have my fully grown male son living at home while their 15-year-old daughter stayed with us. Not the case!
We hosted Jana from Germany that first year, who had an older brother from her father’s first marriage (21) and a younger brother who was, like her, from the current relationship and was 14! Let me assure you, whatever your family looks like, there is an exchange student and international parent(s) who will be happy, even thrilled, to have your family host their son or daughter!
Okay, fast forward a dozen or so years and 20 more amazing exchange students, and our bio kids have truly left the nest. Now that we don’t have kids at home anymore, we double host. This gives us the opportunity to learn about multiple countries and cultures at the same time. It also gives the students we host a “sibling” and the opportunity to learn about multiple countries and cultures too. Talk about a wonderful experience!
Now About Those Cookies!
This year, both of our kiddos love cooking, and since it’s the holiday season, at my house, that means that we are deep in the throes of Christmas cookie making. Both Elena and Nela expressed a desire to introduce us to their favorite AUTHENTIC recipe from home. To which I said, “YUM!” And, “bring it on”!
Now for the rub… When compiling the list of ingredients needed to make said secret recipes, some clear similarities arose: of course, flour, butter, and sugar, but also almonds? I shrugged it off as a coincidence; after all, the countries the girls come from are not known for similar cuisine! Large quantities of butter, sugar, and almonds were procured as the set baking day approached, and when the girls unveiled their super-top-secret favorite recipe from their respective grandmothers, it became clear… their cookie recipes were not just similar, they were the same… yes, like exactly.
Amongst the din of voices as the discussion took on a NATO-ish tone about the actual origins of this delectable treat, I asked to see pictures… and realized I know (and LOVE) these exact same cookies! I’ve had them before… my grandmother also made them. So, my gift to you this holiday season is this: a poignant truth. Whether you call them vanillekipferl (from Italy) or vanilkové rohlíčky (from the Czech Republic) or just almond crescent cookies (as I know them here in the US), we have more in common than you think!
As the holidays approach—however you celebrate them—I wish you health and happiness with those you love because we all (so very much) have this in common too!
Want to know more about lessons learned in hosting? Read another one of Faith’s insightful stories here.
Are you ready to open your heart and home by hosting an international high school student (or two!) Visit HostWithGreenheart.org to meet students for the upcoming season, and apply today to host!