By: Yaqoub Alshamali (YES 2023-2024, Kuwait, placed by ACES in Redding, CA)

It's remarkable how people you've never met can become an important part of your life so quickly. Before my exchange year, the thought of living with strangers in a foreign country felt both exciting and terrifying. But from the moment I stepped off the plane and saw my host parents holding a sign with my name, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I immediately felt a sense of warmth, belonging, and hospitality.

People often ask me, "How were you okay with living with complete strangers?" I always tell them that if I could relive this experience, there's only one host family I’d choose - my host family, the Cusworths. They made my year unforgettable. From Christmas celebrations to our camping trip in Death Valley, the memories we made together made my nine months in the U.S. truly enjoyable. My host parents created an environment that felt just like home, and reminded me of my parents back in Kuwait, while my host siblings reminded me so much of my own siblings. We built a strong, supportive relationship that I will treasure forever.

When I came back to Kuwait, it felt odd knowing I wouldn’t see them face-to-face every day anymore. For nine months, seeing them had become a part of my daily routine. I missed the simple moments like morning conversations, shared meals, and the small jokes we’d exchange throughout the day. It felt like a piece of my heart was still in the U.S., and adjusting to life without them took some time. But even though we are far apart, the bond we built has remained strong. This reminds me that family isn’t just about proximity, but about the lasting connections.