Goodbye! Hello! Why I host international students

Many of you have suggested I write a book – well if I had a topic to choose, I likely would write “Confessions of a Homestay Mom.” We have hosted international students from all over the world since 2004. We currently have two – Beau from China and Vincent from Germany. I can tell you we have had every possible experience that you can think of. One student’s father was kidnapped by the cartel. One found out her father had a whole other family while she was here. We’ve had broken bones, broken hearts, so many laughs, and so many tears. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

The thing about opening your home and your heart to these kids is you get so attached. Tomorrow our beloved Vincent is going home. Just as everything right in my life seems to happen at the perfect time, Vincent was the perfect student for us during this time of upheaval in our home. He is both helpful and hilarious. There hasn’t been a single day where we haven’t laughed excessively about something or other. He has approached this life with arms wide open, living each moment with joy. It has been so refreshing!

Sometimes a student comes along that just takes a piece of your heart with you when they leave. They know who they are, so I won’t name them off. When he leaves on Saturday, Vincent is most definitely going to be missed in the Kerr household.

But as the cycle goes? Next up – Mario from Mexico! Mario arrives on Sunday, and just as we have done for Vincent and Beau and countless other students, we will welcome him with open arms. With Beau still here, plus Tynan (our hockey billet) and Brendan, the dynamics will inevitably change somewhat, but probably not too much. Our only hope is that Mario takes this opportunity that his parents have given him and embrace it, and us, as we will him!

For now – safe travels to our favourite German, the Real DJ Papo!