Ayusa Mourns the Loss of a Great Host Dad

Ayusa would like to pay tribute to Tony Silva, a host father from Washougal, WA who tragically passed away on April 5, 2009. Tony and Rebecca Silva were an "official" Ayusa host family for the 2006-07 school year when they hosted Izumi Iwasaki from Japan. However, they opened their hearts and home to many other Ayusa students as well.

The first year I planned a Portland trip for my Ayusa students, a pastor I knew sent an email to his congregation asking if members would be willing to host some of our group overnight. What a surprise when the Silva family responded, insisting that they would host all 13 of us!

Spending two nights with the Silvas became a regular part of our annual trip even as our group grew each year (21 of us this year!), but it was far more than just a place to stay—it was a highlight of the trip. They wowed us with their hospitality: clearing furniture out of rooms so more sleeping bags would fit; turning up the hot water heater and having a sign-up schedule so everyone would get a hot shower; and cooking us a delicious, hot breakfast each morning.

But the Silvas didn't just share their home; they shared their hearts. One year Tony taught the Ayusa students to play Texas Hold 'Em. He always impressed them with his charismatic personality and stories of his job as a detective. This year, he stayed up with students until 3 a.m. having a rich discussion about culture and religion.

Zoey Jassim (Iraq) said, "Even though we knew him for 2 days only, but we seriously felt he's like a big brother and he was such a good guy…"  Josie Schatte (Germany) said, "I think Tony was a very impressive man. We talked to him a lot and he seemed like a really friendly and funny but also serious person. I'm happy that I got to meet him and his family. I'm really sorry for his family that you lost such a great husband/dad. But he also told us that he believes in a life after death and I hope he enjoys it there too, even though it was too early."

Tony impacted many lives and we will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rebecca, and their sons, little Tony and Riley.