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Hello to Des Moines

A post card reading "Hello from Des Moines"

By: Layan Albraik (YES 2018-2019, Saudi Arabia, placed by World Link in Des Moines, IA)

Life often takes us down paths we never anticipated, shaping us in ways we could never foresee. My journey took me from the comfort of my home to unknown corners of the world and introduced me to experiences that prepared me for the future. I never imagined that one day I would live with a family in a different country. My YES journey was more than an adventure; it was a lesson in love and belonging.

I still remember the day I left home. My excitement was mixed with fear as I said goodbye to my family and friends. It was a cold morning when I arrived at my host family's house in Des Moines, overwhelmed by the reality of being so far from home. My twin sister wasn’t there to share our usual morning routine, nor was my mom urging me to drink fresh orange juice and ginger milk.

As I stood on the doorstep, my heart pounded. Laura, my host mom, opened the door with a warm smile, her overalls splattered with paint. Jasper, the family’s silver lab, barked loudly from his cage, and two cats roamed around the room. The rest of the family was outside playing frisbee, unaware of the new arrival who felt both excited and terrified.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions. I missed home terribly, but I began to see glimpses of my family and friends in the faces of my host family. Laura, with her nurturing spirit, reminded me of my mom. Tracy, my host dad, had a calming presence which put me at ease. And then there was Rebecca, or Becca, my host sister, whose laughter and support made even the toughest days bearable.

Becca and I quickly formed a bond that went beyond friendship. We spent countless hours studying for my GAT and SAAT exams. She would sit next to me, diligently working on her homework with her unicorn pen—a pen that became a symbol of our connection. When I returned home, I replaced all my formal pens with unicorn ones, a small tribute to the memories we shared.

Rebecca later shared, “When I first met Layan a whole new world was opened to me. As I got closer to her, I realized what a wonderful human being she was and how her amazing spirit touched everyone in her life. Being exposed to a new culture was so humbling to me and made me reevaluate my own life. Overall, foreign exchange students play a crucial role in promoting international understanding. After her time in the States, my family and I missed her and I’m just so grateful that we are still able to stay in contact with one another.”

One of my fondest memories is of the pink photo album Laura gave me when I was packing to leave. It was filled with photos and memories from my time in Des Moines, each page a reminder of the love and support I had found there. My family at home now brings me pink flowers, just like the ones Laura used to place on my desk, bridging the gap between my two worlds.

Leaving my host family was as heart-wrenching as leaving my biological family. As I said goodbye, I knew I was leaving a part of me behind. But I also knew that our bond would endure, no matter the distance.

Back home, life returned to its normal rhythm, but I was forever changed. My journey to Des Moines showed me the power of love and the strength of human connections. I had gained a second family, one that taught me to say YES to opportunities and to create my own path.

As I write this, I’m filled with gratitude for the unforgettable experience. Laura once told me that I was the only successful story in her life, and I realized that I was not just her success; she was mine too. My host family’s love and support gave me the courage to embrace the unknown and to forge a future filled with endless possibilities.

This is not just a story of a journey abroad; it’s a story of knowing more about yourself in unexpected places, of bonds that transcend borders.


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