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It was love at first sight, Host Families :)



I only knew what ‘Host Family’ was when I was in the process to departure for Arizona, USA. In my head I didn’t really understand what their role was until I communicated with my coordinator Megan Young. She introduced me and simply explained what I should expect from them. But for me, I had two so that confused me to the core hahahaha! The cool thing was I communicated with both them via email, so I was kind of used to them in a way. I knew who is who because we also exchanged pictures of their family and mine too. I remember their questionnaire asking what is it that I liked eating and I said JUNK FOOD. I had no time to eat healthy in America, I wanted to indulge in all the burgers that I have been seeing on the internet and Instagram.

The first family I met was Cindy and Scott Gemberling, like I mentioned in my previous blog post they picked me up the airport. Remember the HEAT? I was with them when I discovered that. After we left the airport we went to buy food, I said JUNK FOOD and Instagram food right? I had such a HUGE slice of pizza which I think I did not finish hahaha. I had the best time with the Gemberling Family all my lunch, dinner dates; movie dates and meeting their family on Christmas Day. I remember Cindy saying, “I thought you were quiet but I was wrong”, hahaha! I have a very innocent face. Our Wednesday dinner dates, and catching up sessions.



My second family Gary and Sharri Ward, fetched me at the Gemberling house. When I first saw them I remembered my grandparents that I left in South Africa. I felt at home instantly. We drove off to their home but first we had LUNCH more ‘JUNK FOOD’ for me hahaha. Warmly welcomed in their home, with their dog Paris. It was such a Blessing being amongst, we went to church together; lunch and dinner dates. Their grand daughter was my selfie partner, we took snapchat selfies together and videos; she was so entertaining.



Like I said in my Graduation speech, if it was possible I would’ve left a piece of my heart with each and one of them because they showed me so much love it was scary. I remember telling Megan that “Please don’t connect me with people that have too much love” and guess what? She did the total opposite. But I truly appreciated every big or small thing they did for me. For always being there for me. Making sure I am healthy, safe and happy. I shared so much with them just like they did with me. Leaving them was one of the hardest things I ever did in Arizona, and the way departure was so deep. They couldn’t even make it to the airport, but I don’t think I would’ve handled that well. They are family forever even though I don’t see them like I used to. Technology helped me so much to keep in touch and have catch up sessions with them and video call. I taught them WhatsApp, and now we communicate via WhatsApp even with the time zone slot, we now understand how and when to communicate. God Bless them for me till I meet them again. 

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