Impact on Host Families

Our family has learned so much and my kids (yes, all six of them!) have a global perspective in all they do. They have empathy for others and a drive to do something about the injustices in the world rather than watching them happen. These young people will enrich your lives far more than you will probably enrich theirs!!

- Alexis Vosburg, host mother, supported by IRIS in Hampton, Iowa

Even though he’s gone, everywhere you look in our home are the small impressions that he left behind: a colorful Bangladesh flag in our kitchen, the musical ektara in our living room, hand sewn blankets from his mother on our quilt rack, a cherished Panjabi folded in our son’s room. While we’re sad that he’s no longer here with us, these signs remind us of why we hosted, and of the son that our family has gained.

- Ashley Cooley, host mother, supported by PAX in Lebanon, MO

I've learned about Tunisia, I've learned about Islam, and I've learned about my own country through someone else's eyes. Most of all, though, from Joumana, I've learned a little bit more about how to be human, and I can't ask for anything more.

- Chelsea Kidd, host mother, supported by AFS in Rockland, ME