A Hosting Success!

Although Colin knew when he was accepted to the AYUSA program that he would be living with an American host family, he had no idea how close this family would become to his heart. Since his arrival in August, this has been the dream hosting experience for both Colin and the McNutt family. Throughout the year, Colin, Colin's host family, and Colin's family in Germany have grown so close that they now consider each other extended family.

"We always discuss how lucky we were to have connected the way that we did, and that it was fate for our families to come together this way," says Host Mother Brandey McNutt. "Through e-mail correspondence and some shipped cards/packages, each family knows all about the adventures, good times, heartaches, health and happenings of the other family. The imprint that we have all made on each others' lives and hearts will be permanent."

Simultaneously and without the other one knowing, Colin nominated the McNutts as Host Family of the Month, and Brandey McNutt nominated Colin as the AYUSA Star Student of the Month! Clearly, they are both a model host family and a model student. "We realize that we share a very special bond that maybe not many other exchange students/host families share, and we count our blessings for that every day! We can say this because we also share a special bond with Colin's entire family. We have all been blessed by the experience that AYUSA has provided for us, and we want you to know how much your organization and Jeannie Spring, our area representative, are appreciated for all that you have done to help to bring us together!" writes McNutt.

Upon learning that they had nominated each other, they couldn't believe it. In their own words, here is what they have to say about each other and this life-changing experience:

Brandey McNutt and her family nominated Colin as Star Student of the Month:

Since arriving here in Ohio, Colin has endeared himself to everyone around him. He played on our school's soccer team and was a very skilled player who received special mentions at the end of the season, even though an injury forced him out of the last few games. While attending his soccer games, many parents approached me asking if I was Colin's "Mom." They would then proceed to tell me how wonderful they think he is, and many of them even thanked me for bringing him here and "sharing" him with them.

Colin has a very friendly, outgoing personality. He always eagerly anticipates new experiences. He is a very intelligent student (as his high marks in school attest). When he makes a mistake or does something embarrassing, he is able to laugh at himself instead of getting upset. He treats all others with a great sense of fairness, and has made himself responsible for helping others whenever he can. He is a fabulous big brother to his two younger sisters here, and the bond between him and I could not be any stronger than if he were my biological child.

Colin deserves to be awarded Star Student of the Month, not because of any extraordinary achievements, but because he is an exceptional human being whom we have all grown to love tremendously in his short time with us so far. He may be with us for only a year, but in my heart, he will always be my son.

Sincerely,

Brandey McNutt and the McNutt Family

Colin nominated his host family for Host Family of the Month:

First of all, my name is Colin, I am 17 years old and I am from Germany. Since August I live in my new family, the McNutts in Springfield, Ohio. To be in this family is the best thing that could have happened to me. As my host mom always says: We were just meant to be together. And I guess this is true. :) Let me explain...

It is almost impossible to describe the blessing I have in being part of this wonderful family. There is no way I could ever say thanks enough for what they do for me and proposing them as host family of the month is just a little thing I could do. I would actually declare them the greatest host family there is and one of two great and loving families I am lucky to call my own.

A few weeks ago at Best-Buy, I heard a couple talking to each other in German. I started a conversation with them and it appeared that they were visiting the lady's host family in which she had stayed 26 years ago. I told my mom about that and I think this makes it easier for all of us to let go when it is the time.

Oh, and if you are still not persuaded to make the McNutt-family, family of the month, here is a poem that my mom wrote for me before Christmas. It is the greatest gift I have ever received in my life and I had tears in my eyes when reading it.

The Gift
A year ago, you were just a thought inside my mind
Although I was excited, I did not know what I'd find
The first time that I saw your face, I knew you were the one
I tried to look at others, but inside, the connection had begun
For many months I looked for words that would tell me who you are
And through our letters I felt you close, although you were so far
Finally there came the day that we met face-to-face
I wanted you to feel welcome, for now this was your place
Within a week my heart had already opened up to you
You had become part of my life, and of my family's too
Through our late-night talks, we got to know each other well
Our bond became unbreakable, those close to us could tell
You are everything I could have ever hoped for in a son
The love and caring that we feel could never be outdone
Now as Christmas time draws near, so do wishes big and small
For me, having you as my son forever would be the greatest gift of all
I love you
Ich liebe dich
Mom