The first time we hosted a short-term international student was for an organization called Up With People. Our student was Amar--a young college student from Syria. He was great with my three young children ranging from a toddler to 6 years old. We stayed in touch for a few years. I think of him often, especially when conflicts in Syria are in the news and I pray he and his family are OK.  

A little later we had a 19 year-old student from Germany stay with us for several months. She became my dear friend and like an aunt to my children.

One year we hosted Carlos from Ecuador. He was so caring of our family; he made us feel like we were truly his family. He called me "mom". When he left, there was a note for me. It said,

"Dear Mom,

It really breaks down my heart to say goodbye because it seems to be just yesterday that we met. Thank you for letting me be part of this amazing family. Because of you I really understand that everything in this life has a God purpose. For me, you have been the teacher that makes a difference in my life. ... You have taught me so many things that no one else even with the whole time of the world can teach a human being. I'm wishing the Websters on Ecuador be sure that we are going to have all the doors open for your family to come to our house. Don't forget to text me ... Sincerely, Carlos".   

The first year I saw something about Compass USA in Kansas City was from a random email in the Spring of 2012. It sounded fun to host a student from Spain. By then I had 5 kids. My oldest was 16, my youngest was 4.

Our student, Marta, loved hanging out with my daughter's teenage friends and led crazy dance parties with the kids at home. The escort that year, Belvis, was hosted by a single adult friend nearby and she became our good friend. So much so, that she returned again the following summer with another group.  

We have personally hosted 18 kids. I could tell story after story of all of them: Amar, Livia, Marta, Theo, Cecile, Jonatan, Carlos, Isaac, Justine, Danni, Clem, Alexis, Mikel, Alma, Brice, Mathilde, Rose, Ewen...

*Pictured: Gift Amar brought from Syria

As a Program director for Compass USA for the last decade, I have helped around 100 students come to host families in the Kansas City area. I estimate that host families with the parents and kids and their extended families and friends number over 500 people that have been impacted by international students in Kansas City through Compass USA.  

Each of those students has a life story that has been touched by their host family. Like Carlos said, you teach your student things that could never be learned in any other way.  

And each host family has been impacted by the relationship they have with their student. I have seen many tears shed when students arrive at the airport to return home.

*Pictured: Note and box from student Carlos

In the 2020's, it is getting harder and harder to find host families. When I feel like giving up, I see in my mind's eye hundreds of faces that I have known and loved because of the mission of Compass USA, and other similar organizations, that provide a safe and organized way to help brave students from different places in the world become like family to our amazing host families.

The hosting experience creates a beautiful international friendship that interlinks counties and cultures and truly makes the world a better place.  

We need more caring families to open their hearts and homes. When you do, you will find that your heart is filled in a way that can't be explained, it can only be felt.  

Thank you to the fabulous host families in Kansas City! If you have not hosted yet, I wish for you the rich experience of loving, teaching and learning from an international student or escort.

*Pictured: Watercolor by our student, Rose