What a life

Last night I did the host family interview with the family hosting the Serbian boy. It felt like a field trip. As I drove down the long gravel road toward the house, I passed field after field of sheep that would baa and run away from the fence as I drove by. I admit, I couldn't help but roll down my window and talk back to them a little. I passed other fields full of grazing cows.

I finally arrived at their home, an old farmhouse that was once featured on the pages of National Geographic in an issue they did on county fairs. The house sits in a clearing with woods behind, and pastures surrounding. Beyond the pastures were the dunes leading to the beach. As I got out of the van, their border collie puppy greeted me with wiggles and kisses. The wife came outside and welcomed me as she lead me inside the house. It really felt more like I was stepping inside a novel about life 75 years ago.

The farmhouse was simple and rustic without a lot of updates, except for the computer and fax machine that sat on the counter. But despite (or maybe because of) the lack of modernization, there was the distinct feeling of family, warmth, love, and closeness. I never once looked at my interview notes because the conversation flowed easily with this wonderful, down-to-earth family.

Their 12-year old son told me how he likes to catch salmon and steelhead in the river that runs through their property. He also hunts for ducks in his spare time. Or plays with their pet raccoon that comes inside the house (but unfortunately, I didn't get to see him).

They gave me a tour of the house, which has a single bathroom with a big, old-fashioned bathtub, but no shower. The wife explained that there is an outdoor shower for those who wish to use it. As we walked into one of the bedrooms, it was impossible not to notice the huge stuffed bear hanging on the wall.

The family works together to run the ranch, but they have many outside interests as well. They dive for abalone. They are learning to sail their new sailboat. Their older son has been on an Olympic Development soccer team out of Portland.

Coming from a city of 2 million people, I'm sure this Serbian boy will have some big adjustments to make as he joins his new American family. And while he won't have some of the big-city opportunities that some exchange students enjoy, he will have some incredible experiences that very few of us native Americans ever experience.

And that is my favorite thing about this new job of placing exchange students. I get to meet the most wonderful families in the context of their own homes. Each family has been unique, yet I've enjoyed them all immensely. I can only imagine how much fun it will be when the students arrive!