color:#333333">Current YES student Haya Al-Kubati from Yemen with her host family, the Distlekamps. 

By Haya Al-Kubati, YES 2014-2015, Yemen

color:#333333">Having a dream and having it become a reality doesn't happen always, but what if it did? Well, you would start to realize just how blessed and lucky you are, especially for the opportunity to travel abroad, meet new friends, and be selected out of hundreds of students to participate in a scholarhip exchange program and serve as a global ambassador. Building a bridge of communication and cultural exchange between different countries at a young age is a heavy responsibility. But what an achievement! I feel like the luckiest person on Earth because of my exchange experience, and I have gained much, including the love and support of an amazing host family; I consider them to be a huge source of my happiness.<o:p></o:p>

color:#333333">In my opinion, the Distlekamp family deserves to win "the best host family" award. They have welcomed me with open arms, and they have filled my year with many adventures thus far. This family is made up of magical ingredients, starting with my mom, Julie, who is a wife, mother and hero outside the house. She is always smiling and optimistic. The second magical ingredient is my host father, Brian. He is a dad, life saver, and Superman who tries to offer every possible thing that any of us might need. Meanwhile, Hailey is my host sister who is the oldest, and she is the most awesome girl I have ever met! She is extremely talented and friendly, and I enjoy watching her funny videos. The same goes for Breanna, my other host sister. She is a wonderful girl who will grab your attention right away. Breanna has that baby face no one could resist; my sisters are both adorable.<o:p></o:p>

color:#333333">I strongly believe that this family is one in a million. I have been living with them for two and a half months, but we have made memories for years ahead. I liked them from the start, and it’s been such a pleasure to meet these wonderful people. I discover a new thing about them every day. They like to help people, no matter what, and without thanks or appreciation, because they genuinely care about seeing others happy. This family is also very active, and I enjoy the activities we do together such as camping, going to the football games, volunteering at church, and spending time together as a family. We even traveled to Chicago for a visit!<o:p></o:p>

color:#333333">I appreciate all the things that the Distlekamp family has done for me, including throwing me a special birthday party. They support me in all the activities that I participate in, and they consider me a member of their family. I owe them all the respect, appreciation and gratitude I can muster for as long as I live!<o:p></o:p>