Our New Chinese Friend

Betty, our Grace and one of Grace's best friends, Sarah.

In January we hosted a Chinese exchange student for two weeks. 

She asked that we call her "Betty" even though I thought her legal name was

so beautiful. All of the students chose what they considered

an "American" name to use while they were here.

She was such a sweet girl and we enjoyed our time with her.

Here is Betty with 2 of her fellow classmates from China.

The classmates from China, Grace and other host family

friends enjoyed shopping in Cincinnati.

Betty and her best friend Nina enjoyed a delicious dinner at

a local Maggiano's! 

Betty was so shy at first but opened up a little more each day.

We learned so much from her, and she, from us. She discovered bowling,

American hamburgers and hot dogs, Mexican food, 

The Middle and Modern Family on television, going to the movies (to see "Frozen"),

 American pop music, playing Monopoly (she was so good at it!), the AF Museum, 

baseball (tours of the minor and major league teams in the area) and taking pictures

 with the camera we gave her as a gift. Her school group toured universities in 

Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati, the local Art Institute and several local historical sites.

She helped us discover Chinese Pop music, helped Grace reconnect with

her first language and culture, brought us sweet gifts and taught us so much about

China that we didn't know.  

We were all sad when the visit came to an end but we are able to stay in touch via email.

It was such a great experience that we are planning to host a longer term exchange student

 in the next year or so.

If you have the chance to do this, I encourage it! 

Stay warm!

Susie Q