What I Learned In Homestays

 All the students were dropped off at the hotel this evening and there were lots of hugs and tears! Later that evening, during our evening circle time, I posed the question, "What did you learn during your homestays?" Here are their answers:

I am loving and funny! - Jaylen 

I work well with people I don't know very well. - Kira

When Ms Williams said we would cry after homestays, I didn't believe her. Now my eyes are kinda sore. - Teresa

I learned that I have some quick reflexes in Egyptian War and in general!:) - Han

I'm very spoiled. - Mason

I learned that doing work for myself makes me feel fulfilled. - Taddy

I can make relationships without knowing it. - Ethan

I discovered I can tell the full story of Chinese Valentine's Day in Chinese by heard and fluently. - Sophie

I learned I can do hard things by persevering and using my grit and still have fun in the end. - Alexandra

I learned that I can bond with people I never thought I could form connections with, and that joy can be found in unexpected places. - Rory

I learned that I need a place where I can talk freely without judgement from others. - Nora

I learned that I like buying llamas/alpacas and that some cars like sleeping on me. - Margot

Through spending time playing soccer with my homestay family, I learned that soccer is significantly more fun than I remember. - Michael

I learned that I can learn and use the information like Spanish or games effectively (and have fun!). - Eva

I have realized during my stay that we should be grateful for things we have. - Hemansh

A language barrier is not a social barrier - Guhan

I realized that you do not need verbal communication to forge a relationship. - Kanav

I realized that my Spanish is better than I thought. - Ricardo

I learned that I can build a relationship really fast (in 5 days) and learn a new language, only if I put in lots of effort. - Shridhar

I learned that I am able to withstand difficult and unique situations. - Rachel

I realized I am able to face adversity and become a much stronger person. - Charlene

(All three of the chaperones were in tears after reading this list. Your kids are amazing, and we are SO proud of each and every one of them!)