And they keep on comin'

What a busy--but FUN--couple weeks I've had! This is prime arrival time for the exchange students, and I have to be (get to be is more like it!) at the airport for the arrival of every student that I place.

My week looked like this:

Tuesday: Jung-Hwa from Korea was scheduled to arrive at 11:20 a.m. along with a Korea boy. We had a great welcome party there to greet them: Talia and Haley (Kristen's girls), Julianne, Marie, and Marie's friend, Essie.



Unfortunately, Jung-Hwy got hung up in immigration in Portland, so she ended up coming on a later flight. But she did arrive--with all her luggage even!--and her host family is delighted to have her with them.

Jung-Hwa meeting her new host family


Wednesday afternoon brought the arrival of my Brazilian boy, Pedro. The news crew was there to film his arrival, and they interviewed me, Pedro, and his host family. I think the interview went well, although I haven't seen it since we don't get any tv. I plan to buy a copy of the tape though, because Pedro's parents in Brazil really want to see it.

Pedro's host family has six children living at home, including two teenage daughters. My kids were there too (except for Marie, who was at a swim party), and we were all lined up ready to welcome Pedro as he entered the airport. He started at one end and went right down the line greeting us all in true Latin American fashion: with a kiss on the cheek for all the girls/women, and a handshake for the boys/men. I was first in line, and having lived in Chile for a year where this is completely normal, it didn't phase me. However, it was a different story for Julianne, Elisa, and Pedro's host sisters, who all took turns blushing as he kissed them. I think we may have to provide him with a little orientation on American greetings!

I returned to the airport Wednesday night for the arrival of Nemanja from Serbia. He was quite tired after nearly 24 hours of travel, but he was still warm and friendly, and very happy to finally meet his new family--and vice-versa.

Nemanja is standing directly behind the sign


Today was my last trip of the week as Simon (his American name) arrived from Korea. He arrived on time, but with no luggage, so that's about par for the course. The weight allowance for each person on the flight has recently been increased because Americans are, overall, getting bigger. The maximum weight of the loaded plane remains the same, so they are having to leave baggage behind to keep the plane within the limit. Many of our students have arrived without luggage, but it usually follows later the same day or early the next day, once it's been shipped down from Portland.

Simon meets his family (Dad had to work)