Meet the Parents

Today we traveled back to Oaxaca, and since it didn't rain on us, we got to see a lot more, including some donkeys, chickens and a better view of some farmers working their fields with oxen.

Back in Oaxaca, we did a little sightseeing, including a visit to the Santo Domingo Church, and then my students met their host families and headed off to what may be the best part of their trip so far. They were very nervous and excited! (So was I.) So, we headed back to the hotel so they could meet their host families.

Samantha's family arrived first. We were scheduled to meet our host families at 6 p.m. in the hotel. Her family arrived 20 minutes ahead of time. I think this is a good sign that they are looking forward to the experience as well! Earlier, Sam had mailed a gift to her host family before leaving the U.S. Unfortunately, that host family's mom had to leave town unexpectedly and a new family filled in at the last minute. Consequently, Sam stopped by a flower shop in the market here and picked up the bouquet on the table . It included a lilly and four roses for 40 pesos which is less than $4 US. Can you believe it?!?!

Rory's family was the next to arrive. I hope he's feeling energetic! The boys in his host family were running, jumping and talking very quickly. Nevertheless, I think he'll have fun. His Mexican mom held her baby girl the entire time they were here. They were both cute as a button and mom seemed very friendly. Dad had a hard time finding a parking spot and had to circle several times, so I simply shook his hand, said "Hola" and snapped this photo, but he seemed like an OK guy. With two energetic boys, a baby girl and a foreign exchange student, dad was probably feeling a little overwhelmed!
:-)

While I was talking to Rory's family, Maggie's family arrived without me noticing. Fortunately; Cliff, our guide, and Mary Carmen, the family stay coordinator; met them and helped with introductions. The two little girls were cute and they even brought Maggie a boquet of gerber daisies! They also had a hard time finding a parking spot, so her husband was circling the block in the car while they came in.

I'm excited and a little anxious. I'd LOVE to find out how things are going. But, I know this first day or two will be the hardest and my involvement will only break down the process of struggling through the language barrier and becoming comfortable in their new environment. The best I can do is be available if they need me. Even though I want to know what they're up to, I hope I don't find out until the end of their family stay because that means it went well!