Photos, left to right: Jusian with her local coordinator and host father in the West Bank; Yara with her host parents

After spending their YES exchange year learning about and experiencing American culture, this summer two YES Alumni from the West Bank had a very special and rare opportunity – it was their turn to show Palestinian culture to their host families!

Jusian Haboun (YES 2016 - 2017, West Bank, hosted by PAX in Beckley, WV) was visited by her host dad, Michael White, and local coordinator, Dennis Dye, in her hometown of Bethlehem. Jusian was extremely happy and enthusiastic to spend time with her U.S. hosts. Jusian took Michael and Dennis on a tour of Bethlehem, invited them to her home, and cooked them Palestinian dishes.

Jusian, Michael, and Dennis also spent time volunteering for over 300 members of the community! It was a natural transition for this trio to serve together at a sports camp in Bethlehem, since all three have had significant experience with this before.Michael and Dennis have served as volunteers with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in West Virginia and Jusian has been volunteering with the FCA Summer Sports Camp in the West Bank for over four years. 

Dennis and Michale were grateful to meet with Jusian in her home city. Dennis says, “I spent a whole year meeting with (Jusian) and planning things to make her experience in America a good one. In doing so, she has become my daughter in Christ and a good friend. And now, tomorrow morning, I will be leaving Bethlehem and will go back to America. I am excited to see my family again but my heart is feeling heavy about leaving my good friend behind knowing she is facing her most difficult year in school. Love you and God bless you Jusian”.

In June, Yara Amayra (YES 2015 - 2016, West Bank, hosted by PAX in Clarkdale, AZ) was also reunited with her American family. Her host parents, Brittany and Adam Earles, visited Yara in her hometown of Dura. Yara and her host parents toured Bethlehem and old town Hebron, where they visited a glass factory and had the chance to make their own vase!

Brittany and Adam were invited to meet Yara’s extended family. Her host parents tried authentic Palestinian food made by Yara’s uncle and grandma. In exchange, Brittany and Adam cooked a delicious meal for Yara's Palestinian family, so they could also get a taste of the U.S.

Yara is happy that she got to spend more time with her host parents. As Yara puts it, “I will always be thankful to the YES program for giving me the chance to meet the Earles and be a part of their family. Even though we may not share the same blood, I love them deeply. They taught me so much during the time I spent with them. I learned how to be kind and have a big heart from my host mom. I learned how to be strong and never quit from my host dad. The YES program presented my with one of the most precious things in my life (The Earles) and I hope one day to be able to give back to this great program.”