Every host family has a unique bond with their exchange student. For Josh and Amanda Lewis, the bond with Maram Al Bandak (YES 2013-2014, West Bank, hosted by PAX in Locust Grove, GA) extended beyond their time together in the U.S., as they recently visited Maram and her family in Bethlehem.

Josh and Amanda decided to host for the first time in 2013, and they were planning to take on one exchange student, a girl from Brazil. They were also busy with their children Cody and Paisley, but one commitment led to another:

“While we were waiting for our first student to arrive, our local coordinator told us about four more students she was trying to place before their deadline. When I heard about where Maram is from, I was very excited and wanted to know more about her. After receiving her packet and learning about her, I knew I wanted to host her. The local coordinator told me that two other girls had to be placed before Maram. So, I asked everyone and anyone to host the other girls so I could have Maram. I found a friend to host one of the students and the other was placed by the coordinator, and on the very last day I was told…Maram was approved to be our exchange student!”

The instinct to host Maram paid off for the Lewis family, as they quickly learned Mara has a very open and curious nature. According to the host family:

“Maram is up for any adventure, she is never held down. Seeing her adjust to life here was a great experience for me, she is so brave. We went on vacation, saw her off to homecoming and prom, took her to Atlanta for her birthday, and watched her rock my baby to sleep and play with my family's kids; she won all of our hearts.”

For Maram, staying with the Lewis family helped her adjust to a new country and a new school, especially in the first two weeks. She says:

 “In the beginning, you look at the calendar and have a mini heart attack when you realize how long you have left to go before you go back home. Trying to comprehend how far away you are from home while looking at a map. After that, everyday becomes a challenge you are thrilled to live.”

After getting to know Josh, Amanda, Cody, and Paisley so well, Maram can’t pick just one thing that she loves the most about them. She reflects:

“My host family were the greatest throughout my entire exchange year. Their openness, generosity and wonderful hospitality have to be some of my favorite things about them. They have taught me a lot; we had a blast together and we made memories that will live on forever. They were very eager to know about my culture, just as much as they were excited to show me theirs. I say to whoever they host next: Lucky you!”

The Lewis family introduced Maram to an entire community in Locust Grove that Maram came to enjoy as well. She created important friendships on her high school soccer team, with her English and Psychology teachers, and with neighbors who took her on road trips some weekends. For the neighbors, spending time with Maram was so impactful, they later decided to start hosting exchange students themselves!

Josh and Amanda remember their time with Maram very fondly. They write:

 “We talk about Maram very often, I wish we talked to her more. Having Maram here taught me about mothering a teenager, which was my original reason for deciding to host. We talked about everything and I feel we really became family. Now, I get to say forever that I have an extremely intelligent, beautiful, and kind exchange daughter.”

Luckily for this special family, the Lewis’ were able to visit Maram in the West Bank, where they immediately bonded with her family as well. They explain the reasoning behind the trip:

“Maram taught me so much about her homeland. She told me about the different religious places and about her home and school. We decided to visit Maram so we could experience a small part of what she experienced while she was here with us. Our countries are very different and I wanted to see where she lives. We plan on visiting in the years to come. I would love to make it back to see Maram’s college graduation.”

In Bethlehem, Josh and Amanda discovered:

“It was like I was meeting family, really. Maram’s family were all such a pleasure to meet and they went out of their way to make our trip special. Even walking along the streets of Palestine, the people were so friendly. The trip was extra special because of its religious significance. We are thankful to have visited the Holy Land, and we couldn’t have had better guides.”

The visit was equally as impactful for Maram:

“No words could describe my feelings when I saw them (the Lewis family) standing in front of me in my own country, or when my natural family and host family both sat together at one dinner table in my house! It was such a warm feeling. We took my host family to every possible place we could think of. They tried our traditional food, bought souvenirs, met my big family and laughed a lot! I realized what a blessing it is to have two families from two different parts of the world. Two countries, two families, one love. That is how I can sum it all up. The world is such a small place that we can fill it with love and peace just with our smile. My message to anyone would be: Smile more, love more and live more, and always say YES.”