Sunday, June 9, 2013

More images from the opening reception

The opening reception, when the students meet their host families face-to-face for the first time, is a time of nervous excitement.  Immediately prior to the reception, the students sign contracts stating that they will not speak in English for the duration of the trip (except in an emergency or when communicating home.)  Since the group has spent the previous three days chattering away in a mix of English and Spanish, the change to pure Spanish seems somewhat unnecessary until the ring of the doorbell announces the arrival of the first host family.  Suddenly, it all becomes very real.

I liken the arrival of the host families to the arrival of the dwarves to Bilbo Baggins' house in The Hobbit.  Some showed up by themselves while others seemed to have coordinated their arrival time together.  Either way, the moment of introduction was quite exciting.  Since the leaders knew the families well, the familiarity added comfort to the setting, which our students picked up on right away.  After all of the families had arrived, María José called together all host siblings and students and gave them a few "get to know each other" games.  She then sat down with the host parents to answer questions and read what our students have asked her to tell them -- their fears, what they like to eat and what they dislike.  There were a lot of laughs as the parents heard what the students wrote and the host parents all loved the fact that our kids were so "caring, cute and nervous."  Following this, the students and siblings had an opportunity to ask questions, and María José reminded them of the responsibilities they had as part of the program.  Following this, everyone headed outside for some food -- paella, Spanish tortilla, and croquets -- and to get to know each other as new 'families.'  This year, we wrapped up the evening with a special celebration of Robbie's birthday (see one of the previous posts) before the students left the house, with suitcases in tow, for their new homes.

Parker reviewing the language of the contract
Do we sign it?  Do we not?
Ben affixes his 'John Hancock' to the contract
The students and host families on the deck of the house

Maria Jose speaks to the entire group
Sydney (center) talks with her host sister Paola and host mother Yoli

Annie meets her host family

Jason and his host brother Daniel

Taylor listens to María, her host mother

Andrew with his host siblings, Tomás and Araceli
Brendan and his host mother, María del Mar, listen to his host father, Joaquín.
Ben's host brother Eli seems transfixed by whatever wisdom Ben is passing along.

Brendan, Ben, and Annie in conversation with their host siblings.
Rachel with her host sisters Raquel (left) and Sara (right).  Yes, we did put a Rachel with a Rachel.
We don't know what was said but Parker and his host parents Alberto and Estefania certainly find humor in it.
Sergio and Nick ponder the meaning of life.  Or, perhaps, la significa de vida.

Robbie's host parents Conchi and Carlos welcome him into the fold


María José speaks with the group and their host siblings
María José answers questions from the host parents

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