I’m very excited to announce we have a new member to our family!
We welcomed Janne, a German exchange student, to America this weekend.

My daughter, her husband, and their two sons will be hosting Janne (pronounced Ya-na) for the school year. When they committed to this program nearly a year ago, it seemed so far away! But it’s August! And Janne is here!

Nicole was an exchange student her Junior year in high school. She spent a few months in New Zealand. Her time there was the perfect excuse for her to take me for a visit. She is still close to the friends she made during that time. A couple of her Kiwis even flew in for her wedding.

I have friends that participated in exchange programs back in the 80’s and keep in contact with the friends they made and families that hosted them. They look back with fond memories.

Everyone knows how much I love to travel. Experiencing new places, people, food, and entertainment. Immersing yourself in another world, if only for a short time. I think this will be a fabulous experience for everyone involved. I can’t wait to learn a few words of German and converse with my grandsons and their “sister”. And, of course, visit her homeland. ❤

We get almost a full year with her, that means American holidays like Labor Day, Sweetest Day, and Thanksgiving, as well as Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and birthdays. I look forward to sharing in, and providing some, of her American Adventures. Starting with CornFest! 🙂

Welcome to the family, Janne. Welcome home.