Sunday we said good bye to our exchange student. We went to church that morning, played games, and then took her to meet up with her group.
It was quite the three weeks. Full of fun times and learning times. We didn't have a lot in common with her but we found things to do that all could enjoy. She tried to help out when she could. She didn't speak very much to us in English so it was always nice when Marshall got home from work and could speak to her.
The language barrier was tough. During the first few days my brain wanted to use any other way I knew to communicate besides English. I would think of Spanish words or sign language as ways to communicate. After a few days that stopped and when I spoke to her I tried to speak slowly and clearly.
It was fun having another kid around because it changed the dynamic and my kids got along better for the most part. There was always someone to play a game with, sit in the hammocks with, or whatever the activity.
She loved puzzles. Lynnlee got out our big box of puzzles that had twelve puzzles in it. After two weeks she had done every single puzzle. It was a good activity for downtime.
The last week was tough because we were getting ready for school, running out of fun activities to do and seemed like communication was worse. Thank goodness for the other Japanese exchange students nearby who were staying with friends. We got the girls together a few different days and they had fun together and it made it easier for us too.
It was so weird having the guest room empty that night. We miss her! I'm grateful we can keep in touch with her through email and social media.
